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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 751 367 7 



SOUVENIR 



—OK 



PENNYROYALDOM. 



COMPILED BY 



John Kirkpatrick. 



CAMBRIDGE, OHIO: 

JKFFERSONIAN STEAM PRINTING HOUSE. 

I885. 



R<^ 



" But to recall the early toils of those 

Who romped these hill with gleeful, childish bent, 

The Pennyroyal's aromatic scent, 
Is subtler than the rarest garden rose." 

— Robert B. Buchanan. 



INTRODUCTION. 

The publisher in the compilation of this Souvenir of Pennyroyaldom, 

has sought no more than to give a faithful report of its five annual reunions, 
as gathered from the full publications of the newspapers owned and pub- 
lished by men born, reared and educated to maturer years in Oxford Town- 
ship. These publications were very full and few inaccuracies will be found. 
The compiler has taken the privilege of not reproducing a few things in no 
way related to the Pennyroyal Reunion or its purposes. 

This compilation was undertaken as a labor of love, without expecta- 
tion ot further remuneration than would meet the cost of its preparation in 
this permanent form. The publisher had a desire to see gathered in one 
handy volume, all the valuable and interesting reminiscences of the early 
and later life of a people renowned throughout all lands and climes for 
their sturdy manhood and morals, for their thoroughly grounded religious 
convictions and their nmde patriotism. Wherever the sons and daughters 
ot the Pennyroyal land have gone, they have carried with them in their 
lives the proofs that they come from a noble home built by a great ancestry. 
In commemoration of virtues whose memories should be perpetuated, the 
publisher and compiler has ventured to present this Souvenir of Penny- 
royaldom. 

JOHN KIRKPATRICK. 



Origin of the Pennyroyal Reunion. 

On the retirement of Jonathan Rose, from the office of County Com- 
missioner and at the incoming of Patrick Lochary, a banquet was made at 
a Cambridge restaurant, to which were invited representatives of the press> 
the county officers, members of the bar and many other citizens. The oc- 
casion was a pleasant one and after the substantials were cleared away 
speech making broke out. It was observed that many present were from 
Oxford township— the place of Mr. Rose's home. The township had been 
long known by the name of Pennyroyaldom, and it became the subject of 
the evening amongst the orators and many a sally of humor was made upon 
it. The evening was so pleasantly passed that Mr. Rose some weeks after, 
proposed at some future time to renew it at his home — by making a real 
Pennyroyal Festival. The writer objected, as such a gathering as should 
be present would be beyond the hospitality of even so good a host, and sug- 
gested a genuine permanent annual reunion. The idea was at once carried 
out and from these circumstances came the great success of the Pennyroyal 
reunions, which it is hoped may continue in succession for many years to 
Come. 



SOUYBRIR OR PBPPVROVOUOOm", 

FIRST REUNIDN, 

^^IIE First Pennyroyal Reunion was held at Gardiner's prove in Ox- 
v\sg/) ibrd township on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 17th and 18th, 
1880. It was designed to be one of those social gatherings which 
are so popular, and to perpetuate memories of the olden times of Oxford 
township, famed for her many good qualities in all the history of Guernsey 
county, the state and the nation. 

On the first day no less than fifteen hundred people were upon the 
grounds and the second day brought, it is judged, nearly, if not fully, four 
thousand persons to engage in and enjoy the occasion. The two days were 
filled with the utmost social enjoyment possible to be crowded into such 
space of time with a company of like numbers. The stage was wreathed 
with the aromatic pennyroyal and in great letters of the herb the words 
" Pennyroyal " appeared on the back of the stage and " Welcome " in front 
of it. A motto, " Welcome to All," was also back of the stage, having been 
sent for the occasion from New Orleans, Louisiana, by Dr. Stewart L. Henry. 
After a few remarks by the President of the Pennyroyal Association, J. O. 
Grimes, Esq., the blessings of Heaven were invoked upon the ceremonies in 
a prayer by Rev. I. X. White. The Pennyroyal Choir sang " Home, Sweet 
Home!" The address of welcome, delivered by Hon. Newell Kennon, 
came next, as follows: 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen — When I first heard it announced 
that there would be a Pennyroyal Reunion in Oxford township, a gathering 
together of the people who now live here, with those who have removed 
from amongst us and settled in different parts of the country, I thought 
when this assemblage would take place, (as I now see it before me to-day), 
that I would like to be present and participate in its proceedings in some 
way. When the Committee of Arrangements conferred tin 1 honor on me in 
behalf of the people of Oxford township, of bidding a hearty welcome to all 



6 SOUVENIR OF PENNYRO YALBOM. 

that might be hereto-day, I gladly accepted the plea-ant task, because I felt 
that I was selected on account of the e hoary locks of mine and of my being 
a native of this township. Having mingled with and among this people for 
well nigh seventy years, I remember this township and surrounding neigh- 
borhood when it was almost a howling wilderness, when the first settlers 
had to boil their venison and other wild meats without salt ; none to In ob- 
tained here and no way to get it only by packing it across the mountains on 
horseback. The old fashioned pack saddle was used for that purpose, not on 
McAdamized roads or railways such as we have to-day, but along a lonely 
and winding path through dense forests surrounded with dangers on every 
hand. At this early day the men commenced chopping, hewing ami splitting; 
and their wives and daughters spinning, weaving and knitting. Nearly all 
the clothes worn by the early pioneers of this township were manufactured 
and made by the women. 

Whilst the axe-man was engaged in felling the forest ami clearing off 
and cultivating the ground that it might give seed to the sower and bread 
to the eater, these men of strong arms and determined will prepared the way 
that their children might enjoy all the comforts of this life. The rough log 
cabin, poorly furnished, was their only shelter from the rains of summer 
anil the storms and snows of winter. These log cabins have now nearly all 
disappeared ami in their places now stand the neat and comfortable dwell- 
ings built and furnished in modern style. Their school houses were built in 
the same rough manner, the windows of which were paper greased with hog's 
lard to let in the light. The teacher generally kept two or three hickory 
withes in the corner by which he secured order in his school. At that time 
the school library consisted principally of the old United States Spelling 
Book, the Western Calculator and Murray's Grammar. I have often been 
gratified and it would have been gratifying to you to have seen and heard 
the little bright eyed, barefooted urchins of that day spell A-C-O-lt-N, 
B-A-R-E-F-O-O-T, etc. 

These were the little fellows that were rocked in sugar troughs, fed on 
johnny cake and mush and milk, growing up with strong constitutions, having 
strength of body and of mind sufficient to enable them to fight successfully 
the battles of life. Whatever calling they pursued they acquitted themselves 
with honor to themselves and advantage to others. These men acquired a 
high reputation in Guernsey county, and for nearly seventy years some of 
them have been selected by the political assemblies to (ill County ami Slate 
offices. Others went forth to till their part in life's drama ; very many of 
them to spread the glad tidings of peace ami good will to men ; some as 
educators in schools and colleges; some as lawyers to see that the scales of 
justice are held in even balance; others as physicians to heal the sick; ami 
to-day the political papers of our county are edited by the sons of Oxford 
township; which papers give tone and tongue to the people as far as they 
circulate, with the exception of to a few stubborn men in Oxford township, 
who always have, and always will continue to do as they please. 

The earliest Grecians in their philosophic doctrines taught the people 
the importance of meeting together as we have to-day in our Pennyroyal 
Reunion; of having friendly communication one with another, as we hope 
to have this day and to-morrow and in all the future of our lives. 

Your chosen orator is hereto-day to give the history of Pennyrovaldoin 
in Oxford township, and the reasons why this Reunion is called " Penny- 
royal Reunion." Your poets are here to sing of " Pennyroyal." Your old 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 1 

men arc here whose memories are vivid as to the first settlers of this region 
of country. They will trace its history all along the line from then until 
now. Your young men are here, who are enjoying the fruits of the labor 
•<>t' a departed parentage, t<i tell you of the rapid mutation of things so 
far as their memories will carry them hack. The U'dies are here (and we 
are all glad to see them) to add to the enjoyment of this occasion. The lit- 
tle ones are here enquiring what all these things mean. When they come 
down to old age they will communicate to their children the time and place 
when " Penny royaldom" passed into history. 

Whilst we see so many smiling faces around us we are naturally led to in- 
quire, where arc the men and women who first settled in this neighborhood? 
They arc not here, not one of them. They are resting in quietude, waiting 
for that grand Reunion that will be perpetual. Seeing every countenance 
before me wearing a smile of pleasantry I do most gladly, in the name of 
the good people of Oxford townshii , bid all who are here to participate in 
this Reunion a kind welcome, to which I know this; audience is ready to say 
amen. 

President Grimes in presenting Rev. Dr. Paul for the response said 
that the latter hail formerly lived for a long time near the grounds now oc- 
cupied by the Reunion and had gone to school on the paths just by it. He 
added that Judge Kennon was old when he was young. He welcomed the 
old and the young also. 

Dr. Paul's response was as follows: 

Honored Father — 1 beg leave, as the representative of Oxford's return- 
ing children, to thank you for the words of welcome, which you have spo- 
ken. We come to revisit the scenes of our youth. We are glad to hear the 
voices, and clasp the hands, and look into the faces of the fathers and moth- 
ers, the sisters and brothers who remain in the old homestead. 

Located among these hills were the old school houses in which grave 
and reverend school-masters presided, and often wielded with consummate 
skill tl'.e beechen sceptre, but in which we learned many useful lessons, and 
around which cluster many of life's sweetest memories. 

To those old churches, the very stones and dust of which are dear to us, 
our sainted parents bore us, and may be in the broad aisle before the sacred 
desk, held us in their hands while the baptismal water was sprinkled upon 
our brows. As young men and maidens we came crowding to those same 
old churches, and felt the hallowing influences of the sacred day and the 
solemn services. We must, however, confess that sometimes the arrows of 
divine truth, and Cupid's arrows got sadly mixed. 

We have come to look over the old farms, and note the changes which 
time has made, and, while we rejoice in the evidence of progress which we 
see all around us, we must be excused if we turn aside hastily to brush away 
the tears that start when we remember that the hands of Btrangers have done 
this. We have come to tread softly in the burying-grounds, in which, in 
years gone by, we laid to rest many a loving father and tender mother. 
Wehave come to weave a bond of closer union between us and those who 
are now living and working where we formerly lived and worked. We 
have come to erect a monument of sweet memories in the heart of the old 
and to kindle still nobler aspirations in the hearts of the young. 

it might be interesting to tell the tale ot our wanderings. You might 



8 80 UVENIR OF PENNYBO YALDOM. 

want to know if the world has been kind to us, or smitten us with its elud- 
ing blasts. We have been scattered here and there. We, perhaps, know- 
less of each other than you do of us. This is the centre from which the 
lines of intelligence radiate — and to which, from all the quarters to which 
we have gone, the lines of intelligence converge. Some have gone from 
here, the tale of whose life nunc can unfold. On life's billows they were 
tossed for a while, and then they sank to rise only when the sea shall give 
up its dead. 

There are others who could tell of strange adventures and hair-breadth 
escapes. If they were young again, and there was some tender Desdemona 
to hang enchanted on their words, they might tell their tale of wonder. A 
good many of us never got very far away from home. The county-seat of 
"Old Guernsey" needed young, fresh blood, and came down to Oxford 
township to get it. Our hoys stand high at the Cambridge bar, and are 
still going up. Some of them are engaged in running the political machine, 
and they do it with wondrous kill. Some of them arc engaged in making 
the sick well, and, occasionally, by the purest accident, they make the well 
sick. Some keep hotel, and some raise premium stock. The Cambridge 
detachment from Pennyroyal is holding the fort right manfully. 

Away long ago you began sending your boys to College, and they soon 
became founders of colleges and leaders in educational enterprises. When 
the Sucker State wanted a man to lay the foundation and rear the super- 
structure of a College, which would tower grandly among the institutions of 
the growing west, she wisely selected an Oxford boy. Under his skilful 
management Monmouth has been sending forth, year after year, scores of 
noble men and women, to do valiant work for God and humanity. These 
are all the grand-children of Pennyroyaldom. 

Another of your sons has, for the last fifteen years, been engaged in 
building up a college just beyond the western limits of " Old Guernsey.'' 
Her walls are not high yet, but they are still rising. Her children are also 
your grand-children. No grand-parent ever doted over a finer set of boys 
and girls. Two of the boys have recently entered on the high road of edi- 
torial greatness, and now through the New Concord Enterprise, are ready, 
for a small consideration, to aid every worthy enterprise. 

In the field of statemanship, Oxford occupies no mean position. One 
of her sons has added dignity to the United States Senate. Scores of them 
would like' to be congressmen. And they would all grace any posi- 
tion to which an appreciative public might choose to elevate them. 

In the pulpit your sons have been doing a work the full value of which 
can be known only when the birth record of the Lord's redeemed shall be 
read. 

If your sons have been as plants grown up, your daughters have been 
as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. 

Of many a one of them it can truly be said : " Her price is far above 
rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She stretcheth 
out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaoheth forth her hands to the needy. 
Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he prais- 
eth her." 

And now, ye fathers and mothers to whom God has given the training 
of Oxford's future men and women — of the men and women who shall stamp 
themselves on future ages — let the mold in which you form their character 
be nothing less than golden. Let the aim of every educational | rocess be 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 9 

to develope capabilities. It is not your business to carve a niche for your 
child and then put him in it. It is yours to educate him, to si rengthen brain, 
nerve and muscle, to deepen and broaden all the iiuuilio.nl thai is in him, 
then he will make a large plaee for himself in the world and fill it well. 
Rather than train him to do only one thing well, give him the capability to 
turn himself in a hundred directions, It is cultured lirain power that 
rules in all departments of life. It is ruling to-day; it will rule more 
palpably in the future. Continue to build school-houses and churches. Let 
only the best teachers till your school-houses, and the puree! men your pul- 
pits. Rear men and women. 

And when this place is too strait for them, let them, armed with strong 
hands and loving hearts, and animated with noble aspirations, strike out in 
whatever direction God may turn their faces ami success will crown their 
lahors-^-uarlauds wreathe their brows. The world is good to those who 
are good to it. Light comes from the mountain tops to those who look 
upward. 

The Faiview Cornet Band furnished excellent music. The hand was 
constituted of the following members: C. H. Giffee, Thos. Bratton, Prof. 
W. B. Loo, J. T. Morton, T. S. Rosengrant, Thos. Merryman, Chas. Gleaves, 
('has. Hamilton, Eddie Stevens, X. II. Barber, Rufus Hunt, Wm. Frost ( 
Wm. H. Kesselring, Chas. Tillett. 

President Crimes said that he presided here by virtue of having been 
chosen its chief official. He scarcely knew why, hut he must say that never 
in his life had he held any position which he regarded as being more honora- 
ble than this one. He had thought often in his life of the beautiful groves 
of Oxford. It is fitting that the old scenes and memories of the old people 
should be revived. It is a century since the wilderness here was opened to 
settlement. I think often of Oxford's proud position amongst all the town- 
ships of the state. There ought to be re-union every year in Oxford. Ox- 
ford paid taxes and she got but little return for it in improvements. She 
will help build the magnificent Court House and repair the jail now, but 
she never had any public improvement but the old national road. She was 
filled with the hardy sons of toil from the earliest day and they were and 
are the highest and best amongst all the avocations. 

Wm. Lorton, Esq., then delivered an address, the "History of lYnny- 
royaldom," as follow.- : 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: — By reference to the programme 

you will sec that the duly assigned to me is to give a brief history of I'enny- 
royaldom. Many inquiries are made as to the meaning of lVnnyroyaldom, 

its boundaries and how the nan riginatcd, etc. In answer I will state 

that my grand-lather, Benjamin Borton, emigrated to this township from 
the State of New .Jersey in ISO I and Milled on the line of the Old Wheel- 
ing Load, leading from Wheeling to Zanesville, said road having been pre- 
viously marked out by Colonel Zane under a contract with the government. 
Pennyroyal, being of a spontaneous growth, soon made its appearance upon 
the newly cleared lands; and he, having learned the art of distilling it in 
the State of New Jersey, -non commenced the process of distilling the well 
know oil of pennyroyal in this township; and his sons, grand-sons, and 
great-grand-sons have kepi it up ever since. The pennyroyal plant i.s a na- 



10 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

fcive of North America and differs from the English pennyroyal and all other 
plants having the same name and possesses valuable medical qualities. But 
the name Pennyroyaldom, as applied to Oxford township, is comparatively 
of recent date and originated from a reply of our worthy citizen, Mr, Mor- 
ris Morton, while Commissioner of th<' county, to some complaint in reference 
to high taxes, "that when every thing else failed we would go out and pull 
pennyroyal enough to pay them," and at the expiration of Mr. Jonathan 
Rose's term of office as County Commissioner, also of Oxford township, at 
a .social meeting called by him, it was said t<> be " in honor of Pennyroyal- 
dom." Its boundaries are not limited, but Oxford township is olaimed to 
l>c the center. But a "history" of pennyroyaldom means something more 
than has been said and indeed more than time will permit to be said on this 
occasion. Hence we will content ourselves with a few tacts and incidents eon- 
nected with it, some of which are written and others traditional, (iai'i'nscy 
county was erected or organized in 1810 from territory formed by territory 
formerly included in the counties of Belmont and Muskingum ami was so 
called because a large number of its inhabitants were from the Isle of Guern- 
sey. James Dillon of " Tinker Hill" in Oxford township was o >f the 

first Commissioners, Oxford township was organized, of course, at the same 
time, but there is no record until the year 1813, of which the following is a 
verbatim copy : 

" At a township meating held on the 5th of April 1813 in oxford Town-hip guern- 
.-<•,- county sta'e of Ohio at the house of David Wherrys for the purpose of Election the 
several Township officers as follows X imely Justices of the peas 2 Thomas Henderson 
John Kennon, Clerk Samuel Dillon, Trus ees Michael King, Win. Dillon, Enoch Marsh, 
supervisors Enoch marsh, Henry Clear? Elijah Bell Win Scoggan .tames McCoy fence 
Viewers John and long Tom Henderson Overseeis of the poor Jacob GiNhell Win Hen- 
derson Treasurer David Wherry. The Superv sors Trus".eea clerk Treasurer fence 
Viewers anil Overseers of the poor Met on the U)th day of april <\- were scvcrlv sworn 
into there Respective officers a Cording to law. 

" Bamuf.i Pai.ton Clk." 

The history of Pennyroyaldom in this respect is no doubt much the 
same as that of the surrounding townships and counties. The following ad- 
ditional names we find connected with its early history: Christian Wine, 
Ezekiel Vance, Thomas 15. Kirkputrick, John Burnett, Jacob (iatchcll, 
John Cranston, William Cochran, Edward Morton, Samuel Marlow, James 
Gilliland, William Orr, Benjamin Masters, James Hall, John Aides, Philip 
Roseman, etc. The habits and customs of the people iti those days were very 
different from what they are now. They lived in their log cabins with pun- 
cheon floors and clapboard doors not close enough to keep out the snakes, 
much less the frosts of winter. Their diet was chiefly corn bread and wild 
meat and that frequently without salt as that had to lie conveyed from cast 
of the mountains on horseback and consequently was very scarce and high 
priced. Their clothing was of buckskin and tow-linen or flax manufactured 
by their own hands and worn to church as well as to their own work and it' 
they could not get along with their spinning, imagine old Mr. Bonnett pack- 
ing his little wheel from house to house to spin at a "fippennybit" a dozen, 
or Daniel Errington going around carrying his press board ; ml goose to 
make up their homespun goods, or John Stage to make their winter shoes, 
and at the same time living in dread of the hostile Indian and constantly 
annoyed by the howl of the wolf or alarm of the rattlesnake. But not- 
withstanding all this they had their fun and frolics, their flax pullings and 
quiltings and making rails and grubbing and a little dance at night. 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYBOYALDOM. 11 

Bui they finally succeeded in banishing the Indian, destroying the 
snake, clearing up the forests and did the best they could to educate their 
children and lay the foundation for the support and education of a happy 
and prosperous people. In 1827 the National mad was built by the gov- 
ernment right through the centre of Pennyroyaldom and proved to be a 
great National thoroughfare for traveling, droving and teaming which caused 
lands to advance in value and made a ready market for all kinds of produce. 
Middletown was laid out the same year by Benjamin Masters and was so 
named because it is midway between Wheeling and Zanesville and was for 
many years a flourishing and active business town. Fairview was laid out 
before the National Road was built, on the Old Wheeling Road, and was so 
named because of its elevated situation, and, like all other towns along, the 
National Road, flourished until the iron horse robbed it of its patronage, I 
see those persons around me to-day who have lived through nearly all those 
years and are as connecting links from the past to the present, who were living 
when Ohio was admitted into the Union 78 years ago. They can hear witness 
to all that I have said and volumes more. They have seen the dense forest 
give way to fruitful fields, They have seen the logcabins shadowed by costly 
mansions. They have seen the Indian, the wolf and tl e deer flee before the 
tide of civilization. They have seen the wilderness to bloom and become 
♦lotted all over with comfortable school houses and churches, and, although 
their hair is silvered o'er with age, although their brows are already 
crowned with the ehaplets of immortality, yet at the mention of those things 
which happened in the days of their youth and manhood I sec their count- 
enances brighten and their eyes sparkle and 1 expect after little to hear their 
tongues speak in confirmation of what I have said and much more than 1 
know to say. 

But ti me bach to my history I want to say a few words in reference 

to our schools. I do not know who first taught school in Oxford township, 
but I am told that William Armstrong was the first who taught in Center 
district in a little cabin on the farm now owned by James E. Merryman. 

The second school house was built on the farm now owned by Samuel 
Ferguson — and this brings me up to a period within my own recollection for 
I went to school there just one day and the teacher's name was John B. 
Warnock. That was about the year 1830 or 1831. The third school house 
was built near the place where Center School House now stands and the 
fourth was built on the same site as the present and if it was appropriate on 
an occasion like this I would like to contrast the past with the present, not 
only the houses, but the teachers and the manner of conducting the school. 

In thinking over these things I often wonder how it is that so many 
eminent men and women (as you will sec by reference to the programme) 
have gone out from Pennyroyaldom to nearly all parts of the Union and are 
filling high places of honor and trust, and I am truly gratified to see so 
many of them here to take part in this reunion and shake hands that 
have so long been separated and renew former friendships and old ac- 
quaintances; and I hasten to close my brief history that they may have 
the opportunity of -peaking the fullness of their hearts on this social oc- 
casion. 

The Poet of the day, Robt. B. Buchanan, then read the following pret- 
ty and appropriate poem : — 



12 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 
PENNYROYAL HOLIDAYS. 



The blithest holidays arc those we keep 
With hearts like summer clouds that 

float in air ; 
With tongues that weave " the ravelled 
sleave of care," 
And gliding thoughts unchained with la- 
bors deep. 

Anniversaries fraught with richest joys, 
Arc those that still rekindle into 
flaraes, 

The hearthstone ashes and the sol I- 

day names, 
Of olden times when we were girls and 
I ii iys 

Like swallows singing down each wind 
that I. lew s, 
The tender mem'ries come— like fairy 

tales ; 
Soft as the gleam of white, receding 
sails, _ 
Until the dreamful days speed to their 
close 

So meet we here upon our native soil, 
To catch the fragrance of the by-gone 

days : 
And greet old friends who've walked 
in devious ways, 
Since we were young in dear old Penny- 
royal ! 

A strain of music or a flower's sweet 
breath, 
Or rippling water in a silent place 
Will sometimes turn us backward- 
face to face, 
With early scenes of childhood, home 
and death 

But to recall the early toils of those 

Who romped these hills with gleeful, 
childish bent. 

The Pennyroyal's aromatic scent. 
Is subtler than the rarest garden rose. 

In Oriental lands they talk in Sowers, 
And weave into a garland loves and 

cares ; 
Hut remix royal's expressive language 

bears 
Still mere congenial tales in native bow- 
ers. 

It was admirably read and its aptness and poetic merit were so high 
that it was received with considerable applause. 

The Secretary of the Association, John Kirkpatrick, read the follow- 
ing letters from absent Pennyroyalists : 

FROM litis. W R. WAGSTAFF 

Paola, Kansas, July 23, 1880 
Prriident of the Pennyroyal Reunion : 

Allow roe to assure you that the writer regards your official station praiseworthy 
and honorable. Oxford and Pennyroyal, one and inseparable, Wm Borton, Esq., au- 
thor of " lViiiiyroyaldom," tit and appropriate. A small shipment of the pure oil of 



Royal herb! Dioscorides did write 

Of thee: and Pliny lent a gracious 

page, 
To tell thy qualities to future age, 
And bring thv uses into fairer light. 

O, Earth! thou hast not any wind that 
blows 
Which is not music; every weed of 

thine. 
Rightly pressed, (lows in aromatic 
wine, 
And virtues lurk in every plant that 
grows. 

How oft we've knelt beside the wayside 
spring. 
Where grew around the Pennyroyal 

wild. 
Perfuming earth and air with odor 
mild. 
And drank a draught of which the gods 
might sing. 

All honor to the suns who far ami wide, 
Have drifted o'er the land from Penny- 
royal ; 
May each remember still the gladsome 
oil, 
That Hews from hill and dales of youth- 
ful pride. 

The fathers of our kingdom, old and 
gray, 
Tike Eastern merchants freed from 

earthly toils, 
At rest — they dream of future wines 
and oils. 
And an eternal home of endless day. 

As each returning year revolves in time, 
.May each true son of childhood's hap- 
py home, 
Return from distant places where they 
roam. 
And keep a day in stories and in rhyme 

This royal kingdom ruled without a king, 
With loyal subjects to revere its name ; 
And loyal hearts to eke defend its 
fame, 

Will he perennial as the fabled spring. 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 13 

iliis valuable herb, in tin cane to Philadelphia and there sold, will pay the expenses oi 
printing and bindings handsome volume entitled, " Pennyroyaldom." Oxford to be 
true U> her historian must not neglect it 

Newell Ken and Joseph Ferrell must not be forgotten by the author in his his- 

torical rt rd as two among the oldest living landmarks of Oxford. T. W Tipton and 

J O. Grimes about thirty years ago, and about ten years later Lewis W. Borton forsook 
the rustic pursuits of earlier days in < Ixford to seek fortune and fame in other localities, 

are now sin oiled by the printed call of the Pennyroyal Reunion at < rardiner's I rrove 

to the scenes of their earlier days and view w ith eyes dimmed with age the land of their 
birth. 

Rev David Paul from Oxford became a student in Muskingum College; Rev. David 
A Wallace a President and Professor in the same College. These, with many other 
names printed in the programme, show that the Pennyroyal 'amis, in the township of 
Oxford, in the county ol Guernsey, in the state of Ohio, have furnished to the world 
men of distinguished learning and piety, men distinguished as legislators and lawyers 
and ill fact honored members of all the learned professions. 

Gen-. Taylor, Frank Creighton, W. R Buchanan and Major Bradshaw are among 
the honored dead of Oxford whose peculiar characteristics in life are treasured in the 

memories of the living as materials for thought and recreation. When everybody sings 
" Auld Lang Syne." at the Pennyroyal Reunion, old acquaintances, present or absent, 
living or 'lead, will he brought to mind, a pleasing How of recollection will soothe and 

cheer the singers, and the united voices in the harmony of song will he carried on an- 
gels' wings from the Pennyroyal Reunion of Oxford township. 

With kindest regards for y*i and all my old acquaintances, I remain, with much 
respect, W. R. Waostaff. 

FROM HON HENRY KENNON. 

Princeton-, Ills , August hi, 1SSU. 
To the Pennyroyal Reunion : 

The invitation to your meeting, at Fairview on the 17th and 18th insts , is, as I un- 
derstand it, special to the natives of Oxford township, and general to all others Well 
I am one of the natives, and among tin- oldest now living. Though I left the township 
upwards of fifty-two years ago, my thoughts still frequently revert to it with a melan- 
choly interest. Its scenery is as vivid to my mind to-day. as on the day I left it. 

Out affection for the place of our birth is allied to, and perhaps originates in that of 
the family relation They seem to he inseparable. The interest, whether pleasant or 
melancholy that attaches to them both, is often the means of restraining us from evil, 
and keeping us in the path of rectitude. In the moment of temptation the recollection 
of a mother's or sister's love often comestimely to our relief. Such affections are deep- 
ly and securely lodged in the secret recesses of the soul, there to remain as a means by 
which we may he reformed in after life. This is one of the ways by which a mysterious 
Providence is ever laboring to effect our regeneration, requiring on our part, however, 
as free agents, an active co-operation 

But my native, my rustic home, as a component part of my great native land, what 
of thee? How shall I dismiss this part of my subject without being tedious? Perhaps 
there is no better way than by a quotation from that old familiar song called "The 

Bucket," by Samuel W Iworth, an American poet I adopt the sentiment Here 

are the first four lines of the stanza : 

" How dear to this heart an- the scenes of my childhood 
When fond recollection presents them to view ! 
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wild-wood. 
And every loved spot which my infancy knew ! " 

Our attachment to the place of our birth is not wholly dependent on its surround- 
ings A fertile soil, a splendid mansion, and lovely landscape are all desirable. But 
the rude loo cabin, with a sterile soil, and no land-cape to enliven the same, have nev- 
ertheless their attractions, and make impressions quite as lasting 

This subject has engaged the pen of the greatest poets, ancient and modern Tbey 
could not have overlooked it, aid have been poets ; and they could not have written on 
the subject without exciting the tenderest emotions of the heart. Scotland's two great- 
est co-temporary prets were Sir Walter Scott and Robert Hums. Their reputation, 
will last as long as there is a taste that can appreciate the beauties of poetry. On this 
subject, Scott, in his " Lay of the Last Minstrel," wrote 



14 80UVENIJR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

"O, Caledonia stern and wild, 

^\f t*ct nurse for a poetic child! 

Land of brown beath and shaggy wood, 

Land of the mountain and the flood, 

Land of my sires! what mortal hand 

Can e're untie the filial band 

That knits me to thy ragged strand? 

Still, as I view each well known scene, 

Think what is now, and what has been, 

Seems, as to me, of all bereft, 

Sole friends, thy woods and streams are left ; 

And thus I love them better still, 

Even in extremity of ill." 

And Burns, in his " Cotter's Saturday Night," wrote: 

" Scotia! my dear, my native soil ! 

For whom my warmest wish to heaven is sent. 
Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil, 

Be blessed with health, and peace, and sweet content ! 
And, ! may heaven their simple lives prevent 

From luxury's contagion, weak and vile ! 
Then howe'er Crowns and Coronets he rent, 

A virtuous populace may rise the while, 
And stand a wall of lire around their much loved isle." 

Such outbursts of fervent patriotism as here expressed by Scott and Burns must 
have proceeded from sincere hearts. With a country far surpassing theirs in natural 
scenery, and the numerous ways of obtaining the necessaries and comforts of life, we 
Americans should be able most cheerily to adopt their patriotic sentiments, so far as 
applicable to our country. In one particular at least, our civil institutions are decidedly 
preferable to theirs. Unlike them we have no union of Church ami State. Our con- 
tributions lor the support of the Church are all voluntary, and it is our own fault if not 
made to the Church of our own choice. But not so there. Burns hated oppression in 
all its forms, and no one was more ready to detect and expose oppression than himself. 
He drew a distinction between the love of our native homes and the government under 
which we live, when he speaks of the instability of Crowns and Coronets w hen opposed 
to the intelligent sentiment of a virtuous populace. The love of country and of its gov- 
ernment are not necessarily inseparable. So our forefathers thought in Revolutionary 
times, and so perhaps the American people think to-day, as evinced by the disturbed 
state of the political elements. It is now but a fair inference that either public senti- 
ment, or the government or its administration, will undergo a change, in due time. 
Providence will favor us with just such a government as our spiritual, and incidently, 
our material wants, demand. As we desire, so will we receive. As we become a better 
people we will be favored with a better administration of a government whose form 
necessarially requires no change. To secure that end let us be honest with ourselves, 
and strive honestly to discharge our whole duty to our adopted as well as to our native 
county, and to our God. 

I Will not be able to attend your reunion personally, but my heart, and this, my 
first Epistle, will be there. 

Hoping that your meeting will he a pleasant affair, and that you will adopt a per- 
manent organization to meet annually for the promotion of your social, literary and ma- 
terial interests, I subscribe myself as one of your long absent natives and in warm sym- 
pathy with such a movement. Henry Kennon. 

FROM DR. S. L HENRY. 
Fi lends and Acquaintances of Pennyroyal : 

Time in its onward flight has scattered those that once resided or were born in the 
limits of Pennyroyaldom. far and wide, over one-third of the States of the Union, as 
evinced bv the programme. To each receiving this announcement of the Reunion it 
will recall the sentimental words of Auld Lang Syne; with the hearts and minds re- 
sponse they are not forgotten the Old. the Young, the rocks and hills, the woods and 
trampled hills; once again the echoes come from the silence of the past of the many 
pleasures and pains long since forgotten, of my youthful days., And none would be 
more happy than I to meet those that have kept watch on my adopted heath these 
many years, and contribute my humble part to make this reunion an occasion never to 
he forgotten. Strange to think that hut yesterday many of us were school boys within 
(he limited space of Oxford township, and to-day we are scattered from the rising of the 
sun to the going down of the same 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALBOM. 15 

Time has dealt gently with the inhabitants of Pennyroyaldom, and an ever protect 
ing ami fostering Providence has been ever mindful of their lives and wants. In scan- 
ning the roster of the programme nearly all of the old familiar names are thereon, yet 
I am sorry to notice thai here and there are vacant spaces, yet when their surviving 
comrades reunite, their names will none the less remembered be 

In the silence of the grave, memory there oft communions make,and as has been truly 
said " the heart feels most when the lips move not." Reunions are highly ennobling 
in several respects; first they are a cultivation of a social ami friendly feeling, Hie best 
of our nature, among friends and foes, and, as it wen-, a laying aside the passions of 
haste that may have burst forth as a storm t < > rend asunder the ties nf good feeling that 
should ever characterize all human action. The reunion is a calm, a time for thought, 

il time to repent at leisure, a time to meet face to face, a lime to shake hands and say in 
this: 

What ere may betide 

We'll all he on one side. 

Secondly, it helps to smooth down the troubled billows that cross the path of each 

and show a personal interest for each other; their happiness and pleasure, ami render 

the inevitable and perpetual conflict of human life from the cradle to the grave, beara- 
ble. Thirdly, the worldly view, the pleasures of the hour, ami finally the terrestrial re- 
union in feeble imitation' of the celestial. Friends of old Oxford, though distant in the 
sunny (dime where the orange perfumes the air, amid the land of perpetual bloom where 

no icicle doth come to chill perpetual summer, with its lakes and rivers on every side to 
cheer the eye with rapturous thought. Yet for the moment from all these the mind 
will turn away in memory's thought to the reunion of (lid Oxford's sons and daughters, 
and say, as oft has been said, "distance lends enchantment to the view," and in 
thought commune with those gathered in the grove hard by the village of Kairview. 
In your si lection of a place and name, you were certainly imbued with the fitness of 
things, as Darwin would say. May the pleasures of the hour he unalloyed, the asocia- 
tion and happiness without a shadow, and the reunion a day long to he remembered. 

In their flight fleeting yeais have borne away, 
The pleasures, the joys, the scenes of youthful days, 
And brought instead, stern realities and hoary locks. 
Amid bleak hills, bubbling brooks and mossy rocks, 
To learn a lesson wise in these is taught. 
To be to-day, to-morrow oft is not 
Then let this Reunion hi' to all in it engaged, 
What each most needs when they approach the grave. 
August 2d, 1880 S. L. Henry, of Louisiana. 

Under the management of Hon. Joseph Ferrell the roll of absent, but 
former natives and residents of Oxford township, was called for response. 

Rev. W. H. Morton, of Cincinnati, said that he was a wanderer re- 
turned — not one of the revolutionary settlers, but one of the royal family — 
pennyroyal family. There are bonds of unity between us all — home, birth 
place, early scenes, and associations. They are all around us. We all love 
our native land. There is a bond of affection that binds us together as 
broad as the country, wherever we wander. Wherever we may meet, in 
the broad plains of the Mississippi valley or on the mountains of the Pa- 
cific coast, we are ever ready to embrace. No matter if we have not the 
pass word of the Free Masons, the latch string is always out. 

The motives of this reunion are good. We can all, old and young, 
honor the pioneers of Pennyroyaldom. Honor to the memory of the dust 
that sleeps in Oxford! Honor to the forefathers! We desire to perpetuate 
the history of the old fathers who came to the wilderness and made the 
forest to blossom as the rose. Our elder brethren cast something of reflec- 
tion on us for not being so well dressed as those of the early days. They 
had buskskin trousers and flax dresses. That was to make us jealous ; but 
we had speckled calico and nankeen pantaloons, but they were thin — as the 

boys say and as the sprouts sometimes testified, it is the bad bees 

that go out of the hive. I suppose they stop at Cambridge for the loaves 



16 80 Z71 ENIR OF 1 >ENN YROYALB OM. 

and fishes. They would not let int' stop, but said — like Horace Greeley — 
Go West, young man ! 

The Pennyroyal is not common to all. The Irishman lias his sham- 
rock, the Scotchman his thistle, and the Englishman his roses. So has 
Oxford her Pennyroyal. Tin- northern part of the State was settled by 
Yankees. A big round cheese should he their emblem. They differ with 
us in speech; so do those south of us, and right here in Eastern Ohio 
we have the purest form id' English speech and the best representative 
American. West the population is mixed, — it is cosmopolitan. Here we 
have the pre-eminent American in lineage and in language. We have pre- 
served the purest form of the English tongue. 

Rev. Samuel Forbes, of Sloan's Station, Ohio, said : 

Ladies <ni<l Gentlemen, Friends mid Neighbors of Oxford Township: — 
We are recently named Pennyroyalists. We are glad to meet you all. We 
point to the motto, "Welcome to all." I am here as a son of Pennyroyal, 
not in name only, but rejoicingly. We are glad that we are a son of 
Oxford township — glad of having been born in her limits, glad to have at- 
tended her schools, glad to remember the old log school house at Bridge- 
water ami glad of having taught in her schools. This is the line of thought 
for to-day. We have to-day met many individuals whom we are proud to 
say we taught their A B ("s. We have taught a number of them the first 
and some of them the higher steps of education in Oxford township. We 
are proud and glad that we lure first heard the gospel of salvation from a 
father's lips, and were here baptized by the holy baptism of a mother's 
prayers. For the sacred teachings of Rev. Father Hugh L. Forsythe, I am 
glad. I am glad that no liquors are to-day distilled in all the territory of 
Pennyroyaldom ami hope that there is none sold in all of her borders and 
would wish that every lady and man here and throughout the Kingdom id' 
Pennyroyal wire thorough Prohibitionists and that all the men would 
vote on election day for General Neal Dow, of Maine. 

D. D. Taylor responded for his brother, T. C. Taylor, of Washington, 
D. C, by saying that this is a representative country and he represented 
another. I am the last of a long line of illustrious men — so to speak — a 
numerous line — a race of Goliahs — physically — that is to say. I. had a let- 
ter from that little bald-headed brother of mine. He wrote a letter through 
me to say he could not get off, th« reasons given were that the dog days 
were here, and principally that no department clerk could get off 
except to get married, and he had not made the previous necessary ar- 
rangements for that. He wanted to know if he was remembered. He had 
not forgotten the boys and girls of Pennyroyaldom. He wanted to know 
if we remembered the red steers, and the black Steers that could never be 
conquered and that we sent to Pittsburgh to be sold for beef and nothing is 
known of them from that day to this. They were fit only for the stomachs 
of cannibals who on some island were used to faring upon old ship captains. 
To-morrow I will report for myself. This is for Thomas Corwin Taylor. 

No evening meetings were held, as first intended, but the younger peo- 
ple assembled at the Guernsey House, at Fairview, and with flying feet dis- 
turbed the rest of many a pilgrim to Pennyroyaldom. The innocent mirth 
and happiness were beyond the restraint of the geifial landlord, Mr. Thom- 
as Smith. 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 17 

The day's pleasure was enlivened by the singing of "Auhl Lang Syne" 
with words written specially for the occasion by John D. Talbot, Esq., of 
Barnes vi lie, as follows : 

AULD LANG SYNE. 

Should old acquaintance be forgot, 

old memories never come? 
Should old acquaintance be forgot, 

And Pennyroyaldom ? 

Chorus: — For Pennyroyaldom. my friends, 
For Pennyroyaldom, 

We'll take the cup of kindness yet, 
For Pennyroyaldom. 

Our feet have trod these hills and vales, 

We've beard the forests hum; 
The woodman's axe hath reared these homes 

In Pennyroyaldom. 
( 'horus. 

The honored name will soon be lost, 

Old Oxford will be mum. 
By name more glorious 'twill be known, 

'Tis Pennyroyaldom. 
Chorus. 

The Mortons, Bortons, Taylors, Macks. 

And many more to come, 
The Bells and Wherries hold their name, 

In Pennyroyaldom. 
Chorus. 

The days of old make memory wild, 

Our hearts beat like a drum — 
Should old acquaintance be forgot 

Ami Pennyroyaldom? 
Chorus, 

The Pennyroyal Choir, which sang this and the other melodies and 
songs, was composed of E. C. Morton, J. D. Talbot, W. B. Lee, J. T. Mor- 
ton, Asa Van Fossen, W. C. Cowgill, Laura Hollister, Laura Gilliland, 
Carrie Holtz, Mollie Cowgill, Mis. (apt. Rodeeker and Mrs. E. Hixon. 

The day's proceedings were closed with a benediction by Rev. Hollister. 

lS1S2^j 

SECOND DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. 

At about 9 o'clock a. m. on the second day, President Grimes called 
the great crowd of people to order, and Rev. J. T. Campbell implored the 
blessings of God upon all, upon the day's doings, and the great object of the 
social re-union. 

A business meeting was opened by the announcement of President 
Grimes. On motion of Honorable Xewell Kcnnon it was unanimously re- 
solved that a permanent Pennyroyal Association with annual meetings, 
.should be organized. 

Rev. W. H. Morton moved the appointment of a committee on consti- 
tution to report at the next annual meeting. John Kirkpatrick moved as 



is SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

a substitute that the existing committee upon constitution should^report a 

form of organization ti> the President and Executive Committee. The mo- 
tion was withdrawn anil the substitute adopted. On motion of Rev. \Y. II. 
Morton a committee was appointed to nominate officers for the ensuing year. 
The President named Rev. W. II. Morton, Hon. Newell Kennon, Col. J. D. 
Taylor, Hon. Joseph Ferrell and Wm. Borton, Esq., as the committee. 
The committee soon reported the following list of officers, who were duly 
elected: President, J. O. Grimes; Recording Secretary ami Historian, 
John Kirkpatrick ; Corresponding Secretary, I). D. Taylor; Assistant Sec- 
retary, J. C. Beckett ; Treasurer, Newell Kennon ; Executive Committee, 
Wm. Borton, Chairman, Joseph Ferrell, Jonathan Rose, David ('. Kennon 
and Thomas Smith. 

Mr. Grimes thanked the reunion people for the honor of re-election 
to the office of President of the Association. He was probably not chosen 
because he was the oldest man, although one gentleman wrnted to know 
why the old blue coat was not brought out. His wife objected because 
the coat was old and ragged. It did much service in the last campaign. 

I have a recollection which extends back for half a century. My 
parents resided not far from here and if any old gentleman here remembers 
losing some tine poplar trees it is probable that I helped to cut them for 
raccoons long ago. Pennyroyaldom is in blossom to-day. The plant is 
itself in flower. There are very many old pioneers and residents who are 
expected to speak and we must lie short. 

Rev. Dr. Paul arose and said that he wished that all who attended the 
old stone church during the pastorate of Rev. Hugh L. Forsythe would 
meet him now at a tree just back of the grounds. 

The Secretary then read the following letter from Senator Tipton ; 

SENATOR TIPTON'S LETTER 

Brownville, Neb., August 13, 1880. 
D. D- Taylor, Esq., 

Dear Sin : — I regret that I cannot be present at the Oxford Township Reunion, 
In September, 1840, having graduated at Uniontown, Pa.. I hastened to Fairview in or- 
der to hear that marvel of popular eloquence, Thomas Corwin, then candidate for < tov- 
ernor of Ohio, and reached there on Saturday before the election In Fairview I com- 
menced my political life and advocated the claims of Clay in 1S44, of Taylor in 1848 and 
Gen. Scott in 1852, for President In 1845 I was nominated and elected to the legisla- 
ture of Ohio, commencing my canvass on the day of the birth of my first son whom I 
named Thomas Corwin for political luck and personal esteem. 

To Oxford Township I look hack to my starting point as a temperance lecturer 
and could instance churches and school Imuscs in which my youthful enthusiasm hail 
vent, and remember many devoted men and women, among whom your venerable 
mother was conspicuous, who cheered me with kind words and sympathetic demonstra- 
tions. 

There, too, I commenced professional life, an 1 in magistrates' courts often met 
your father, who never made a parade of superior experience to damp the ardor of an 
aspiring youth 

To Oxford township I brought my young wife of thirty-eight years ago, when the 
households of the Rose-mans and Jefferson s and Lanes, of Fairview, were adorned with 
amiable and beautiful girls. There, too, rest the sacred remains of my mother and 
two sisters, so that by pleasant memories and sad recollections I am ever bound to 
Oxford township 

Absent in body 1 will be present in mind and enjoy by imagination your union 
greeting of "cousins and sisters and aunts." May unbounded enjoyment mark your 



sijl VEMi; of 1'ENXYROYALDOM. 



19 



festivities from the opening song of welcome to the grand farewell chorus of "The 
Sweel Bye ami Bye " 

Pleas mmunicate to the Reunion my hearty wishes for happiness and succi -- 

and believe me very truly your friend, T. W. Tipton. 

By request of the author, Jesse ( .'. Weir, I). D. Taylor read the follow- 
ing pretty poem contributed by him to the pleasures of the day : 
THE PENNYROYAL REUNION. 



In Guernsey's ({lens, with beechen boughs 

their dome, 
si t tin' bright waters of Pennyroyal 

land, 
Through Oxford's groves, with lightened 

footsteps, roatn 
Sages :uul heroes— a Pennyroyal band. 

They come fr north and smith, from 

east and west, 
To chat of early youth and olden time, 
Reason their guide and happiness their 

guest, 
To sin': old songs of melody and rhyme. 

Youth, buoyant with the spring of life 

and age, 
Ripe for the sickle ; here every rare 

In sweet oblivion east, and here assuage 
Their thirsting* and their pleasures All 

is fair- 
All glad from grass to sun ; and hearts 

that burn, 
From Oxford's lofty hills, with merry 

glee, 
Send forth a thousand Bhouts at thy re- 
turn, 
And bespeak for thee a day of jubilee. 

For every nook, and glade, and tangled 

dell, 
From its wide eirele to its leafy heart. 
Are all to us familiar — memories dwell 
Like doves among the trees ere lovers 

part 

And some are sweet, and sadder some 

than death ; 
But let them pass; and let our troubles 

pass 
As doth a day, an hour, a fleeting breath 
'I he diviner morrow will eoine to every 

class. 



Blest be this sunny morning, Bweet and 

fair ! 

Blest lie the | pie of Pennyroyal land ! 

Ye unseen larks that Bing a mile in air, 
Ye waving forests, waving green and 

grand. 

We Stand afar upon the grassy hills. 
We see the country witli its golden 

slopes, 

And woods ami streams; and trickling 
rills 

Rundown to meet, and greet our glad- 
dened hopes. 

Not a more dear and hallowed spot 
among 

The beautiful of this spacious earth to- 
day ; 

Rich in its groves, and elitl's with foliage 
hung. 

What scenes of pleasure burst, and melt 
away! 

And we will pass away : but other men 
Will come and go, as comes and goes the 

tide; 
And flower and fern will pass away — but 

then — 
The grand old trees, and Pennyroyal 

abide ! 

So, sleeping or waking, or in our dreams 
Where'er we live, or home or foreign 

soil, 
Let's plant and make a world around 

which seems 
Of sweet airs breathed from Oxford's 

Pennyroyal. 



Cadiz, ".. Aug. 16th, 1880. 

William Burton read the following letter from John S. Taylor : 
LETTER FROM JOHN 8. TAYLOR, ESQ. 

West Libbkty, Iowa, August 12th, 1880. 

To thosi composing tin' Pennyroyal Reunion: 

Dear Fihesds:— I feel that I am losing a rare opportunity in life's journey of 
again meeting SO many good and valued friends and enjoying a good social time during 
your reunion ; but the situation of my affairs is such that I rind it impossible to be one 
among you. Since receiving your invitation, my mind has been much of the time occu- 
pied in "the review of mv life and the many incidents connected therewith during my 
sojourn with you. Thirty-two years ago, fast April, I arrived in Guernsey, intending 
to visit uncle Alexander's family for a Bhort time and then to resume my journey to 
Tennessee to join a classmate there in teaching the young bloods of the South. A fail- 



20 SOUVENIR OF TENNYBOYALDOM. 

ure <>n the part of a friend to send me slum' money I had loaned him, seems to have en- 
tirely changed my course in life; and the effect tins same circumstance may have bad 
upon many of those, who, as 1 observe frOm your programme, are expected to be pres- 
ent at your entertainment, who can tell? I was then not quite twenty-one years old. 
During sixteen years of my life thereafter, 1 was occupied in teaching in the counties of 
Guernsey and Belmont. The winter previous to my arrival in Guernsey, viz: 1848, the 
Ohio Legislature pissed an act requiring a teacher to pass an examination in English 
grammar. Annalysis of sentences was understood by neither teachers nor examiners. 
Many of you no doubt remember how we boys, tor we were all buys together, enjoyed 
showing off our superior knowledge before the uninitiated teachers at the institutes or 
examinations. A blackboard, or such furniture as maps, charts, globes, etc, was of 
rare occurrence. ' rifted, skilful, carefully trained, efficient, devoted teachers were very 
scarce. Harvest plenteous, laborers few. About this time Lorin Andrews, A. 1». Lord, 
A. H. Bailey and a few others held teachers' institutes in most of the counties of the 
State. This was tie- beginning of a new era in the educational interests in Ohio, ami it 
was also a marked period in the lives of many of us. None of us were ever overbur- 
dened with riches, hence from necessity we early learned to practice self-denial. I be- 
lieve it to be generally the ease that those who earn their first dollar bv the severest 
toil, learn the value of money, and become the wealthiest men. A similar course is 
very favorable to wealth of mind. That knowledge is most highly appreciated whose 
rudiments are acquired through great toil and difficulty. The few books and limited 
means of knowledge are duly appreciated by their craving intellects, and it little mat- 
ters how broad the current may heroine that flows in upon their minds, they never 
learn to despise them. A Student of this class learns patience and industry in the pur- 
suits of knowledge, has fewer temptations to idleness and vicious habits, and early in life 
appreciates that knowledge is to him, wealth, power, fame and friends. He is identi- 
fied with the great mass — receives their good wishes and hearty praises, and is re- 
garded with genuine love and admiration by all classes I fear I may trespass upon 
your patience, as there are so many waiting their turn to be heard Were I with you, 
I imagine I would love to see all those present who have ever been my scholars, drawn 
up in line. Let me imagine it so What change time has wrought ! No longer girls 
in short dresses, nor boys with coat sleeves and pants six inches or more too short. 
There, Mr Junior Editor of the Guernsey Times, stand in line and toe the mark. Do 
not be always looking into other persons' affairs — wanted to see how many wear artifi- 
cial teeth and false hair, did you? Never mind, it will not be long before you will be 
trying to hide your own silver locks Were 1 to call on you to read I opine many of 
you would not observe the instructions given twenty years ago in reference to the pn iper 
distance the book should be held from the lace. The fact is, we are now, or soon will be 
ranked among the old men ami women of this age. Well, let us try to not lose youth- 
ful vivacity, vigor and vim, but on the contrary try to retain such perfect health, joy ous- 
ness and buoyancy that we may feel our spirits overflowing with healthful vitality — for 
acrimonious, sour, grumbling old scolds, with gray hairs and vinegar faces are very re- 
pulsive objects; whereas, on the contrary, we naturally seek after and enjoy the socie- 
ty of those who as they ripen into years' for the heavenly harvest become goodly and 
godly, full of justice, kindness, faith, hope and charity, with all the passions and selfish 
sentiments in complete subjection Wishing you all a happy, joyous reunion, I am. as 
ever, your friend, John S. Taylor. 

In the absence of Dr. J. T. McPherson, the meeting of the old pio- 
neers of Peunyroyaldom was oonducted by the President. So many were 
present that all could not have opportunity to be heard. Rev. John Abies, 
of Jackson township, anil Bethuel Abies, of Oxford, brothers, came for- 
ward by mistake together, not knowing which was called. They are the 
oldest living people who were born in Oxford township. Bethuel gave the 
floor to his brother John, who said : 

The herb called pennyroyal was given to man by Providence for 
some great uses. If this meeting grew out of it, it was for that reason 
alone a great and good herb. Great and good if nil their good and great 
recollections were renewed by it. Pennyroyal has many medical qualities 
not fully known or recognized. It is worthy the greeting we give it, and 
should make us remember the goodness of God to us. This is a great re- 
union, but there is to be a greater one. Let us prepare for it. This is a 



SO UVENIB OF PENNYBO YA LDOM. 21 

two days' meeting; that one will be eternal. Hero our speech is rude and 
mine scarcely grammatical ; but then' we shall talk in the tongue of a new but 
Still a native land. 

Bethuel Abies said that he felt as if the Good Being had been specially 

good to him. You want to hear of early life. It .--hows the goodness of 
God. lam amongst the first residents of the township. I was horn in 
1806, within a mile of this spot, amongst the wolves, Indians and snakes. 
Mv father died when I was six years old, a id left me the oldest of the fam- 
ily upon mother's hands. John, who has just spoken, was next oldest. 
One night he and I, as the wolves were troublesome, penned the sheep right 
up against the cabin. In the night the wolves came and howled and pushed 
about the house. The sheep were hilled and wounded. It made our little 
hearts quake at the danger. Once I went for my uncle, Reuben Borton, 
through a wheat patch for water. 1 was terribly afraid of snakes. 
I stepped in my hart' feet on two copperheads while going, and 
also on an old hoop which flew up and struck me. 1 jumped 
so high each time that I brought no water hack. My uncle found 
and killed the snakes. This is the way the children were brought up. 
There were no near neighbors; for miles around there was nothing hut 
paths. One day I was riding on an errand through the woods on "Kate," 
and suddenly a man's hand came from behind a tree on my thigh. I told 
of it and was informed it was a robber looking for land buyers, who had 
money. I escaped because I was a boy. In a few days we heard of a mur- 
der on the Maginnis farm. The hand of Providence Mas around us, or we 
oould not have lived. We suffered. I was out after the cows one day, and 
in crossing a creek walked on a log out into the stream and jumped to get 
over. I lit in the mud and went down and down, and could not get out — 
the more I stepped the more I became fastened. I would have been there 
to this day, if providentially some chips had not floated near me, and ena- 
bled me little by little to reach a slim branch above me. I learned the black- 
smith business. I made the tools to clear this country. I made the hoes, 
the axes, and the mattocks for the settlers as they came. I was once when 
a boy, about frozen, being taken from the horse insensible when coming from 
Gilliland's mill. I had to ride several miles after night, and it was only 
Providence that led Uz. Shores to save my life. I was here when there 
were not thirty people in the township, and had this meeting been thirty 
vears ago I would have seen here many people I knew in earlier and subse- 
quent days. I know all of Pennyroyal, and know how to make the oil, too. 
In the early davs we boiled it in kettles; now a four-horse load is needed 
to fill a "gum." It was hard work to gather Pennyroyal. It grows by 
"grasshopper springs." The springs near it are generally' filled with grass- 
hoppers, and the field with weeds, etc. You asked a man for it. He said, 
" Yes, you can have it if you put up the fence," and go out to find the fence 
all down, and hard work to get it. 

George Plattenburgh said: 

Friends, brothers and sisters of Pennyroyal, I greet you. I enjoy this 
occasion, and I know you do. In 180o my father and family moved out. 
We did not have a load of furniture, and put some sacks of salt in the bot- 
tom of the wagon, and sold them at Washington, Pa., for $6 a sack or $30 
a barrel. He related how once a man would not let his daughter go to a 
party with a gallant in the early times because he brought no horse to take 



I- 



22 SOUVENIR OF PENNYR0YAL30M. 

her, nor would he let his daughter walk while he had horse." of his own in 
the stable. So the young fellow had to walk three miles and back for 
horses before he could go with the girl. This illustrates the spirit of those 
davs. It took one and a half bushels of wheat to buy a pound of coffee 
then. Flour sold at New Orleans for §1.50 a barrel. It was plenty, and 
money scarce. I was told that somebody had one hundred barrels he could 
not sell, and put it out on the banks of the Ohio one night, hoping some- 
body would steal it, but in the morning there were two hundred barrels 
there. I scarcely believed the story ; but it illustrates the plenty and cheap- 
ness of things. I made a coat for a man that cost him twenty-seven bar- 
rels of flour or one hundred and thirty-live bushels of wheat. Few farm- 
ers of this day would be aide to stand such a coat with wheat at present 
prices. Timber sold at $]'! a thousand feet, and whitkey at fifteen cents a 
gallon, but where was the fifteen cents".' I have lived in Fairview forty-five 
years. I am eighty-two years old, and have a recollection of seventy-five 
years. 

Wm. Bernard — I stand before you a living monument of the mercy 
and goodness of the Heavenly Father. In a few days I will have passed 
my ninetieth year. I came to Ohio in 1 827 and brought my wife and chil- 
dren and a very little money. I went to work at once. I slopped first 
where Thos. Gardiner now lives and afterward went to Fairview where I 
have lived ever since. Fairview has now only parts of three houses that 
were there when 1 came, fifty years ago. I have lived honestly and upright- 
ly and brought no discredit to Pennyroyal. I have had good luck and 
bad luck, and have held my own right well and come out about where I 
began after making an honest living. I cannot work much more. Provi- 
dence will soon take me from these scenes. 

Col. John Ferguson being invited to speak said that he was glad to see 
joy depicted upon every countenance. It is a happy reunion, and they 
should be established in every county in the state. This recalls old days. 
It calls up old memories of people long gone either to the west or to that 
home to which all are to be called by Deity. I remember the old families, 
the Armstrongs, the Burtons and the Kirkpatricks, including Judge Kirk- 
patrick. This is called Guernsey county from an early colony of people 
from the Island of Guernsey which settled where Cambridge is now. Ox- 
ford township is an honored portion of the county. Her sons are every- 
where. They have been found in the National halls of legislation and in 
the legislatures of several states. I have met them. I have seen them — 
(Here the Colonel was overcome with tears and sat down. Directly he 
recovered himself.) I was about to sav that I have met your sous on the 
field of battle. 

"Win. Morton — I am afraid that I will make a poor hand before you. 
I will not be long with my remarks. You will have to roll back the hands 
of the dial sixty-four years to mark the time when I came into Oxford 
township. There were then but three families in it. There was here then 
but a wild, unbroken forest — an expanse of tree and leaf. There were not 
more than fifteen persons in the township in 1814 and 1815, when we came 
to the goodly land of Ohio. The early settlers who followed were from 
New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. 
All went to work to carve new homes in the forest. It was not the boys, 
but the fathers who did the clearing. The old fathers are entitled to the 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 23 

credit. The young, frisky girls could do little in this direction and the boys 
were tit only to pile brush. I was then ten years old. We had much to 
do, but still, after all, there was no small work for the boys of six, eight or 
ten years of age. The boys had to hunt the cows from ridge to ridge, 
through the woods sometimes for halt' a day, and then come at night with- 
out them. They braved dangers, too. The hogs in the woods, wild as thev 
were, were more dangerous than the bears. When cow hunting the does 
would scare up the hogs, the hoes would charge, in battle array, upon the 
dogs, the dogs would fall back upon the boys, who would have to stand the 
battle from great fallen trees or from the saplings. One day when myself 
and brothers were out we heard on a ridge above us bowlings like those of 
a wolf. We howled similarly in return and the dogs joined us in the howl- 
ing. A boy on the ridge soon took to flight thinking a pack of wolves was 
in reality near. This was the fun of those times. The boys had to go to 
mill. The milling was done by horse power until the water mills were af- 
terward put up. I remember once crossing a stream when the sacks on my 
brother's horse fell into the creek. We waded in and drew them ashore. 
By this time my sacks were off and they were brought in. The wheat, ex- 
cept for a little distance in the sacks, remained dry. We had to go a great 
way to find a man to help us get the sacks again on the horses. 

Not on the face of this globe at any place or at any time were there 
such beautiful woods as were here, with ridge and glade, hillock and dell, all 
covered with leaf and fern and flower, in the summer ; and flaming in the 
rich October with all the tires that ever tinge the evening sky with their 
glories. In these woods the pioneer erected his castle — no less his castle 
because built of rude logs and called a cabin. The floor was of puncheons 
and the roof of clap-boards held down by poles laid cross-wise. There 
were no nails except as made by the blacksmiths ; but at this time news of 
the invention of cut nails was received and we learned that they were being 
made at Pittsburgh. These castle-cabins were not dreary. They were 
made lovely by the women, who planted their little parterres of flowers 
about the doors and the vines trained by their lovely hands wreathed about 
the chimneys and clambered over the roofs — and all the houses were dwell- 
ing places of home happiness and of love. There are very many times as 
many people here to-day as there were in Oxford township, all told, in 
1810, and whatever of happiness we now enjoy the foundation for it all was 
laid by the pioneers who toiled in the primeval forest and wrought out into 
destiny the victories over adversity which we to-day so fittingly celebrate. 

Rev. Dr. Paul was called for and said that it seemed somehow that he 
had acquired a reputation that is troublesome. Wherever I go I am called 
upon. Oh! they say, you can make a speech, and I will talk a little at the 
invitation of the committee. To-day I went to Fairview and saw and 
talked to many. I feel as if I go on, however, that I may make a tool of 
myself with laughter or by tailing to weeping. Now I am a light hearted 
boy again ; in a moment I am old. I went to school in No. 4. The teach- 
er lived at Robison Borton's near Fletcher church. After awhile I thought 
I could teach school myself. I taught at No. 4, my first school. I took 
the first blackboard into No. 4. It was made by Lemuel Ryan. I had 
read of blackboards, but did not know how to use them. We had spellings 
with a good deal of fun going home. One time I crooked my arm at a girl 
and she took it; suddenly from talkativeness I was struck dumb and could 
say nothing all the way home. 



24 80 UVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

I went to the old grave yard this morning and went about thoold mon- 
uments and read the inscriptions of David Wallace and of my own mother. 
On her tomb above the name are the words, " Prepare to meet thv God," 
and it seemed to me as it' my mother was looking down from heaven upon 
me. "Prepare to meet thy God ! " Let this he a lesson to the old to-dav. 
Soon we must all die. There were also the graves of John Lemon, David 
Cowden, Boyd Forbes and others. You cannot tread in that grave yard 
without coming upon the graves of old patriarchs. I have forgotten every- 
thing within the last thirty years when we went to church there. By the 
old church was a spring and a Peace was near it — a fence three rails high — 
and the hoys would stand there to lift the girls over as the congregation 
came down to drink between the portions of the service. Rev. Hugh L. 
Forsythe endeared himself by kind words and manners to all. Although 
he may not have been the most eloquent of men, yet his memory will never 
be forgotten. In looking at the old ladies, I did not sec their wrinkles, but 
remember the old, blushing, beautiful girls, and if my wife was not here I 
would be tempted to put my arm about them. 

' Under the direction and management of David C. Kennon, Esq., the 
following speeches of persons from Pennyroyaldom, who are yet residents 
of Guernsey county, were made : 

Col. J. D. Taylor — I am not here to make a .speech. You are all hap- 
py. Dr. Paul is happy. He wanted to hug the young women. (Dr. Paul 
— " Old women.") Old women. The women are all healthy and the Dr.'s 
wife and mine are also stout. 

There is nothing to bring these people together. There is no alarm of 
war. It seems that we meet to enjoy old memories. I took dinner with a 
Methodist preacher and he, like all the preachers, had much chicken and I 
do not feel like making a speech. Your President, I remember, said to me 
ouce, "Why do you remain in Guernsey county?" I said that I had seen 
in my wanderings no place that I am so well pleased with as with Guernsey 
county. I do not know why the ladies do not talk and give their exper- 
ience. When I see ladies who went to school to me married and mothers 
having children, it astonishes me ; but I get encouragement from the Pen- 
nyroyal line, for they live more than the three score and ten years — ten 
years more. 

I often went to the water-mills, and will remember Win. Beggs, who, 
whilst on my way to MeBride's mill, lifted and straightened my sacks for 
me when nearly falling from the horse. The schools then were not organ- 
ized. The teacher who had seventy-five scholars had seventy-five classes. 
The pupils did not keep together, and had different books. I remember the 
teacher named Patterson, and his whipping one of my brothers and turning 
him out in the woods; but the Bortons insisted that he ought to be brought 
back, and he was. Patterson afterward became a preacher, or tried to, and 
stuck on his trial sermon, and the scholars said that was the work of Prov- 
idence punishing his severity. Did he ever preach, Dr. Paul? (Dr. Paul — 
yes.) But he became a preacher. There was the first dawn of better days 
when John Morton taught school. We used to ride down the hill in Fer- 
guson's field on sleds — forty boys and fifty girls together. The building of 
the National Road in 1S27 was a great thing; forty, fifty or one hundred 
perch of stone were put on a mile. They would not permit the use of 
"nigger-heads," but all was of the pure, white limestone. We could see 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 25 

the road away ahead on the darkest nights. It was almost as great as the 
Appian way. Rev. Hugh L. Forsythe's church was one of the institutions 
of the day. I remember the black marc he used to ride, and himself with 
his spectacles on, with head to one side, studying what to teach Ids people, 
and no man ever did so much good as he lias done. His record will 
not he known until the last great day. 1 look into the faces of people who 
have mournings for death. Their memories come crowding to me. I am 
glad to remember the kindness to me in this community. 1 have taught 
four hundred scholars in this community. I look now into the \\wr of a 
man who has lost sonic of those by death. In all those days I have re- 
ceived nothing hut kindness from all these people. 1 express now my grat- 
itude for it all. There were apple parings and apple cuttings. We Center 
hoys would go out of tin' neighborhood, and in the woods on the way would 
hold a convention and resolve that, sink or swim, live or die, survive or 
perish, we would go home with the girls that night. I tried and failed, and 
the hoys made fun of me ami said, " Your pole is not long enough to knock 
the persimmons." Mr. Morton never had such trouble. He would walk up 
as it' he owned all the 1'nited States and a good portion of Canada, and he 
was successful. I was a pennyroyal dealer. Uncle Billy Borton planted 
pennyroyal and we went into the business. We built a distillery. My wife 
does not like that name. She came from Maine, where they have a prohibi- 
tory law. First we boys worked for Borton for nothing, hut he would al- 
ways pay us more that we earned. He afterward showed me how to distill 
the herb. How unlike the way I was treated in a town when 1 I went into 
a business like one already established. The people there in the business 
got mad about it, and did all they could to prevent me from doing it, and 
will not speak to me to this day on account id' it. Not so with Billy Bor- 
ton. I had money enough to make my own oil, hut took some pennyroyal 
to make on the shares; but had hard work to get it East. Had to try at 
Wheeling and Baltimore to exchange hills of the old banks. The panic of 
1857 came on. I tried to sell in Philadelphia and go't blue and went to 
New York. There I was blue, but finally sold, and before I got away here 
came William Borton and Bethucl Abies with a lot. I suppose they sold, 
but they had long feces and looked blue, too. 

N. H. Barber — It is apparent to me that if we all talk we will have to 
make short speeches. I am satisfied you could not get along without call- 
ing on the band stand for help. Over there we have been blowing. Over 
here you have been blowing and striking. Dr. Paul and Col. Taylor talk a 
great deal about the women. They are old and ought not to do so. We 
want to see at the hand stand where the money is coming from. No matter 
what we do, in these days it is believed there is a motive for it. There is 
some motive in this meeting. What is it ? We do not call these people 
returning prodigals. The diamond docs not know the difference between 
the dirt at the feet or the bosom from which it fell; but human beings rec- 
ognize difference in places. They remember their early homes. We recog- 
nize the merits of the Pennyroyalist. They have risen to places of dis- 
tinction. Hon. Win. Lawrence here on the stand has been in Congress. 
We have had a United States Senator and the legislatures of the states have 
had our representatives, and preachers of the gospel have gone out from us. 
Nothing has been said about the band. The band has been speaking. It 
was not here when Dr. Paul was fiirtine with the girls. Let the old people 



26 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

ever remember the old wood piles, the roses in the yards, the horses of the 
stables of olden times. 

Tlie Land played sweetly the " < >ld Log Cabin in the Lane" 

Hon. Win. Lawrence was called for and said, I am at a loss to know 
why I am called upon to address this assemblage. I am not by birth-right 
a member of Pennyroyaldom ; perhaps because when the crop was gath- 
ered in our township it was hauled away to Oxford. Dr. Paul addressed 
the ladies. I do not wish to be understood as addressing them. I am more 
accustomed to addressing popular assemblages, having done so during all my 
mature lite. I never addressed but one woman successfully in my lite. I 
remember the Scotts, Hares, Lanes, Cooneys and others. I was a beardless 
boy when I first came to this township as a candidate tor office. It was an 
old gentleman who lived on yonder hill, Wm. Armstrong, who headed the 
ticket. I eaihr next. We had a platform that suited everybody. It was 
his platform. " Equal rights and equal privileges." It was and is a strong 
platform — a reversible platform. He and I were eleeted upon it. 

I come here to-day to congratulate you and enjoy the day with you. 
We all come laying aside all bickerings, all politieal and religious differ- 
ences and to lay them there upon the altar of social equality. We have 
not enough of holidays in this country. I hope the day may be commem- 
orated in its annual return for many long years to come. 

Rev. J. T. Campbell — I am not at all at home in this class of speak- 
ers. 1 was born in Londonderry township, just over the line. I have 
looked over the border and smelled the oils, and came over the line. I first 
received education in Oxford township, at a joint district with the school 
house in Oxford, No. 7. Robert Estep, a resident of Pennyroyaldom, 
swayed the scepter. J. C. Taylor, J. B. Taylor, John Seurr and again, J. 
C. Taylor, all Pennyroyalists, afterward . taught us, and at the first exhibi- 
tion we ever held, the orator, J. D. Taylor, was to come from Pennyroyal- 
dom, and D. D. Taylor came over on horseback to the house for his broth- 
er. He now edits the Times but the D. D. is on the wrong end of the name 
to count in theology. We have the old customs recalled by Dr. Paul and 
Col. Taylor and I remember the old churches at Fairview and Antrim. 
One day whilst going to church in a crowd a young man was seen coming 
along. " Who is he '.' " we all questioned ; but he preached. He was the 
now Dr. Paul. 

J. D. Henry, of Cincinnati, was called out from the assemblage and 
brought upon the stage by some of his old school class-mates, amo igst them 
W. S. Heade, Esq., who was about to present him when suddenly Mr. Hen- 
ry introduced Mr. Heade, turning the tables upon the latter neatly. 

Mr. Heade said that he was stumped a little and that Mr. Henry ought 
to be heard. I have been heard so frequently in this neighborhood that he 
ought to relieve me and speak. This is a great occasion, made so by the 
hand shakings and good will. Lately, I was out in the West and in Page 
county, Iowa, 1 found that the landlord of the hotel at which I stopped was 
a Pennvroyalist, a Mr. McC'lenahan. As I talked with him, Rev. Johnson 
came in, who was married to a Miss Lemon on the very (arm we now stand 
upon. I bear greetings to you from the West from people who could not 
come. I have met Pennyroyalists in my profession. They are giants. I 
now present to you my old school-mate. 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 27 

Mr. Henry was called out. 

J. D. Henry responded, saying: T have beard your calls for a speech ; 
but those calling did net know as I did that I had no speech to make. Mr. 
Heade 1ms made a good speech for me. I came back to the old loved Pen- 
nyroyal land to be tilled with the spirit of the old community and listen to 
the speeches of those who had not gone out from the old homes ; of those 
wlm remained about the old hearth-stones and had not gone out as wander- 
ers t<» return only upon some occasion similar to this. 

I have often wondered why the Oxford township boys were always suc- 
cessful in their business lives. It is, I have concluded, in consequence of 
th 3 great moral sentiment which has always prevailed in her borders and 
distinguished her at home. This sentiment is carried away as a part of the 
home ever with the hoys wherever they may go. Jt makes them men and 
brings them the esteem of their fellowmen and supports them in all phases 
and every course of life. 

My friend Heade should not marshal the school class by piecemeal. 
Col. Taylor was its preceptor ; but after all each of us is responsible for his 
individual course. Baker Borton was of the class. Bring Baker Borton to 
the stand ! He is a descendant ol the original Pennvrovalist. 

1 had the honor of being born in Oxford township and want to see its 
sacred memories perpetuated. In Hamilton county we have Harvest Home 
Festivals which are held in each year. They are popular and serve a good 
purpose. There is more christian feeling here and on these occasions than 
at many religious meetings — camp meetings, etc. Keep them up ! They 
cultivate the higher and better feelings. I introduce Baker Borton. 

Baker Borton said : I am brought up here by my old class mates. I 
am not ready to make a speech. If I had taken time to prepare one I 
would have made it. I like this reunion. It should be continued. I have 
met many kind greetings here. 

D. D. Taylor — The manager of this section handed me a note a mo- 
ment ago, " You come next." How some preachers might use that. To 
some persons how dreadful it would be. They call me D. IX, and perhaps 
want to give me double duty, and he put on the note " Multum in Parvo." 
He wants it brief anil that quick, The Enquirer editor said if all the 
speakers announced would give the two days to pulling pennyroyal, they 
would eradicate it from Eastern Ohio. 

There is the old class. They were also members of another class, that 
of Peter Gardiner in the Sabbath School (peace to his ashes ! ) at Pisgah 
Church. I have represented others. It is easier to burlesque others than 
get off a speech lor myself, in any kind of style. Old Billy Borton called 
the plant " pennyrile." I began life in Oxford township at an early age of 
my existence. I lived and loved there. I was a pet then and have had a 
cold water range ever since. They called me " Davy Crockett, hurry up 
with the water ! " But Crockett or Ben. Franklin said, "Be sure you're 
right and go ahead." I have tried to be right. I have been going ahead. 
This occasion revives many old, high, grand and noble memories — mem- 
ories of good men who lived and died here. I have thought of a few 
whose names grace this occasion. I remember the Finley communions. It 
always rained on his sacramental days; but it rained on other days, too. 
Had it not been for the church it could not have been said that " Oxford 
sent to the West a man to feed the soul for every one she sent to feed the 



28 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

body." You have heard from the Taylors a great deal. There are a great 
many of them. Don't charge it to me ; I could not help it. 

The proceedings were closed by the singing, by the Pennyroyal Choir, of 

THE OLD MUSICIAN AND HIS HARP. 

Many years have passed away, 
Golden locks have turned to gray; 
Golden ringlets once so fair, 
Time- has changed to silvery hair- 
Yes, I'm near the river's side, 
Soon I'll launch upon the tide, 
Soon my boat with noiseless oar, 
Safe will pass to yon bright shore. 

Chorus. 
Bring my harp to me again, 
Let me sing a gentle strain, 
Let me hear its chords once more, 
Ere I pass to yon bright shore. 

Oh, those chords, with magic power, 
Take ine back to childhood's hour; 
To that cot beside the sea, 
Where I knelt at mother's knee, 
But that mother, she is gone, 
Cabs she sleeps beneath a stone, 
While I wander here alone, 
Sighing for a brighter home. 

Cno — Bring my harp, etc. 

Soon I'll be among the blest, 
Where the weary are at rest ; 
Soon I'll tread the golden shore, 
Singing praises evermore. 
Yes, my boat is on the stream, 
I can see the waters gleam ; 
Soon I'll be where angels roam, 
Dear old harp, I'm going home. 

Cho — Bring my harp, etc . 



80(JYERIR OR PERRVROVaLDOm. 

SECDND REUNION, 

Jp^HE Pennyroyalists were blessed with beautiful weather for their An- 
fi||j Dual Reunion, held on the 10th and lltli of August, 1881, in Gardi- 
ner's Grove, near Fairview. On the first day nearly fifteen hundred 
paople were present to greet President Grimes as lie opened the exercises, 
the first formal act of which was the invocation of the Divine Being l>y 
Rev. Hollister, after which Mr. Grimes welcomed all to the full enjoyment 
of the occasion, and hoped the reunion would be as successful as that 
of last year, arid promised all in his power to make it so. 

The venerable John Abies,- an early resident of Oxford township, re- 
counted some earlv reminiscences and spoke highly of the social benefits 
and great good which come from the reunions of the old people and their 
descendants. 

The well-filled baskets were emptied at noon and a pleasant hour was 
spent in the social communion of old time friends. 

The afternoon's programme was opened by prayer by Rev. 1 1 1 1 o h For- 
sythe, who also soon after was called out by the President. 

Rev. Forsythe said that he began his ministry in the old Stone Church, 
in March, 1*4:2, and continued at the same place until February, 1801. He 
remembered that worshippers had to go around the house to come in, as if 
by the hack door. In 1848 the new (present) building was erected, and 
when finished was the best house in the Presbytery. A branch was estab- 
lished at Sand Hill, and was prosperous. This was owing to the influence 
of David Cowden. No monument to his memory could equal the height of 

g 1 deeds he did there. 1 remember the old men who employed me in 

1842, John McClenahan and John Wallace. I would not know where to 
find other such men. When John Wallace was buried colored people came 
and wept. lie was the friend to the poor — black and white. Rev. Dr. 
Wallace, Rev. Dr. Paul, Jas. McCrea, Samuel Forbes, three McClenahans 
and William Johnson all went into the .Master's work from my congrega- 
tion. 

Wm. Borton : Last year I was restricted to a history of Pennyroyal ; 
to-day 1 am free to -ay what I will, hut have no speech. I will refer only 
to three circumstances ■ In 1833, when I was only seven years old, in the 



30 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

days of horse mills, people ^ot up early. My father rose early one morn- 
ing to go to the horse mill. He found the heavens ablaze with meteors, 
seemingly foiling like snow flakes, and as thick and fast. He wakened the 
family, and I saw the great sight, and it so impressed me thai I remember 
it vividly to this day. My lather went on to the mill, whilst everybody 
else, through alarm, stayed at home. He soon got his grinding. He ever 
prided himself upon the courage which made him go. The second incident 
was at school at Center, when Daniel Patterson announced to the astounded 
pupils that tli re would he a " Polemic." Yes, a " Polemic." What that 
horrible thing was 1 could not imagine, tor the teacher was a terror. Sam- 
uel F. and Robert Armstrong and William Ferrell knew something of it. 
It was explained. We were to debate, " Which is the most useful animal, 
the cow or the horse?" I was put up barefooted for the horse. My speech 
was, " You can go to mill on a horse, and you can't on a cow." The horse 
won. The other incident is as to my procuring a school certificate, in 1841*!, 
from Charles Armor, before the school system o( the state was reform d. I 
we.it with fear and trembling. ■!. < >. Grimes was in the office, with his f j et 
mi the table. Grimes' sole was worn. I wished him out of my sight. 

'• Bound Ohio," said Ar ur. I did. and told its capitol. " What is the 

capital of Pennsylvania '.' " he asked. I had fortunately just heard and 
answered. I was proud of' the beautifully printed and elegantly tilled cer- 
tificate he gave me. He was a pretty writer. 

!).('. Kennon announced General Geiger's lectures at Fairview, and 
made some remark to the young Pennyroyal ists. 

Hon. Joseph Ferrell said that when Oxford township was organized 
there were not enough men in it to fill the office*. It was soon settled by 
soldiers from the War of LSI ■}, two of whom. William Bernard and Wil- 
liam Richards, were still living, Mr. Bernard being here with us. The Sec- 
ond Regiment of Ohio in the War of 1812 was made up in this region ; the 
Second Regiment in the war of 1846 wa< lilted from here, and the Second 
Regiment in the last war had many from this neighborhood. 

He read a list of soldiers, judges, senators, preachers, teachers, lawyers, 
doctors and editors who had gone out from Pennvrovaldom. 

N. II. Barber said the people of to-day were as good as those of old. 
Nothing is said of the old people now living. This is a healthful neighbor- 
borhood. .lames Lucas, colored, is 90 years old. Wm, Bernard is 90; 
George Plattenburg, 83; Mrs. Clark, 86 ; Wilson Buchanan, Win. Gardi- 
ner, David West, Polly Buchanan, Peggy Gardiner, all are over 80. I know 
thirty-five persons about here who are over 70 years old. 

Mr. Barber's closing sentences were eloquent. 

Jonathan Rose mad ■ some remarks appropriate to the occasion. 

Dr. J. H. Grimes: I am the first of the medical fraternity to address 
the Pennyrovalists. Pennyroyal is a good medicine. It is a stimulant and 
diaphoretic. The old ladies used to make taa of it, and every old Oxford 
bov has had a dose of it. 

He alluded to the old schools. He named many physicians who had 
gone out from Oxford; hut as he did not name half of them we omit those 
given. 

Thomas Smith : I came into the township about seven years ago, and 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 



31 



found good schools, good churches and good people. The standard of mor- 
ality is highj and a more generous and hospitable people arc not to be found 
anywhere. 

Jas. McClenahan in speaking said, " Gentlemen and Mr. President," 
hut meant no offense to the President, for all Penny royalists were gentlemen, 
lit- had lived In'!-.' since 1822. Our first stop in the township was at Chris- 
topher Creighton's tavern, which stood in sight of these grounds. The 
next day we went to where I now live. The Sabbath schools have done 
much for us ; the preachers were good, and the day schools have grown 
hotter. 

A poi/m prepared for the occation by -]r<^- ('. Weir was read by Mr. 

I). D. Taylor. 

RETT7RNING BACK. 



Pweet memory! wafted by the gentle gale, 
Oft up the stream of time we've turned 

our sail 
To this loved spot since here, a year 

agone, 
With hearts as light as childhood's happy 

dawn. 
We counted scars, and told what deeds 

were done 
E're richly bronzed by many a Bummer's 

sun. 

Again we come with other tales to tell, 
And bless the scenes we loved in youth 

Si) Well. 

time mure cur souls released from hu- 
man strife, 

Smile at the little cares an I ills of life. 

Its lights and shades, its sunshine ami 
its showers. 

And rove the fairy haunts of long lost 
hours. 

"1'is home-felt pleasure prompts the pa- 
triot's sigh, 

And makes loin wish to live and dare to 

die; 
And as the softening hand of time en- 
dears 
The joys and sorrows of his infant years. 
He b ud- to meet each artless burst of joy, 
Forgets his age. and acts again the boy. 

So Oxford's hills give hack our j >vs of 

youth, 
Warm as the life, and with the mirror's 

truth. 
Here kindred objects kindred thoughts 

inspire. 
As summer clouds Hash forth the electric 

lire; 
Here not the lightest leaf, but trembling 

teems 

With golden visions and romantic 
dreams. 

Our sweetest pleasures and our holiest 
thoughts 

Cluster 'iinmg thy blue-bells and forget- 
me-nots, 



We sail the sea of life — a calm cue finds, 

And ime a tempest — blown about by 

winds, 
Choose Oxford's guiding star ior^beacon 

light- 
That star u ill glow and broaden in the 

night, 
If we are true tn life and dutiful, 
Until it hangs divine ami beautiful. 

This will unloose our bontls of care, 
Hid sorrow vanish should ii enter there; 
Sunbeams that round our darkened 

pathway play 
Will widen t < » a clear and boundless day. 
And fund remembrance all your charms 

restore, 
While, lengthening distance but endears 

you mure 

Su ye hardy sons to noble manhood 

reached 

Whii feel your leaping hearts should be 
unleashed 

And have free course to stretch and strain 
far down 

The fuming time — when beneath the for- 
ests brown, 

Filled with the wild bird's song that 
never tires, 

And on y speaks of joy the soul desires — 

Know ye, awhile your minds with vigor 
burn, 

A dream still whispers — ye may yet re- 
turn : 

Return, oft as the cycling year swings 
round, 

Hack tn scholastic days and classic 
ground, 

Where mice ye wandered mid these 

shades and Hi u ei S, 
Along the winding hanks and glen wood 

bowers. 

And uli ! ye venerable gray haired sin s 
Who cleared the fields and built forest 

lires. 
When hears and wnlvcs were want to 
head the chase, 



32 SOUVENIR OF PENNY ROYALDOM. 

Plow drowning glory of the dearest love And the swift-footed reindeer lead the 

That breathes the perfii i thy spicy race, 

grove. Though schooled to suffering, Ion;; inured 
Like some tanned mower, as he rests from to toil, 

toil, Soon ye will be transplanted from this 
Inhales the aroma of thy 1 '<-n m \ r< iyal. Boil 

And near the calm and crystal spring? To a lovelier land and brighter clime — 

that sleep Wherefore not entreat to hurry on the 

Far in the murmur of the woods that tim-'.' 

sweep Year after year as ye your course im- 

' Round shimmering landscapes, silver- prov, 

veined with stn ams, Return ye b ick unto '.he leafy grove 

Our vacant hours are charmed, until it Through which your way ye may at 
seems j leasure roam 

Breezes of love, and joy, and melody. Until ye reach at last your longed-for 

Blow through us as the winds blow home, 

through the sky. 

' ', ruptured spirit of the woodland shade, 

O world! so few and short the yearn wa Your enchanting beautiesall my soul in- 
live, vade; 

Would fat the scanty life thai thou dost I nmetimes fancy when we leave earth's 
give hounds 

Were life like this ! Thy sorrows fall si > To vva'k or run no more its well known 
fast rounds, 

Our happiest festal hour is when, at last. These happy greetings from this old, 

The soul is fixed, ami on the rugged road lovi d land 

That leads us up t-> yonder bright abode. Will echo grandly on the heavenly strand. 



Joseph B. Ferguson •. I am Dot a Pennyroyalist, Imt standing here 
iinilcr the word "Welcome," i feel that every man, woman and child here 
welcomes me. This is a good-looking audience, including Jonathan Rose. 
[Laughter.] On the Staked Plains in Texas I heard of Pennyroyal. A fel- 
low was sell i ne- a "Great Poly-cure-edron." Dr. PuflstufF had certified that 
he had been blown up by a steam engine and scattered into a thousand frag- 
ments. One application had made him whole. 1 asked the fellow what the 
medicine really was, and he told me that it was Pennyroyal nil. 

Rev. Minter: I came here to learn about Pennyroyaldom. I can't 
(111 so large a space as Captain Ferguson, who, like me, was put up to lill 
tin interval. I have been here hut a little while ; but find an intelligent, 
wealthy, generous, handsome and Christian people. 

Rev. Samuel Forbes gave an account of the old school houses, with 
their windows running lengthwise at the side, and large pins in the walls 
for boards to write on. The test of a good teacher was the making of a 
■rood quill pen. lie talked of the old school day play — " Ring Around 
Rosey." Of all his schoolmates, hut John C. Woodburn remained yet in 
the township. Hon. Thomas .1. Abies, J. 1). Henry and others were all 
gone away ; and John Kirkpatrick and Rhoda Brown I was always glad to 
sec and greet them. The grammars of to-day are not as good as Kirk- 
ham's of those days — it is yet the be>t. I taught at Center, ami going by 
there to-day told my daughter so. She said it made her feel old, and I said 
I felt old ; but I am really young. My pupils then of 21 years ago I meet 
now bearded so that I do not know them, and when I do they are all Jims 
and .Iocs and Johns to m ■ — ao misters. May we all so live as to be found 
in the great happy reunion of the hereafter. 

The dav's ceremonies closed with tha benediction bv Rev. Minter. 



SOUVEVIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 33 

The day was pleasantly passed. At night Gen. Joseph Geiger Lectured 
at Fairview, and the young pennyroyalists tripped lightly in the mazy dance 

at a hotel there. 

A feature of the day was the playing of "Old Grimes,"by the Fairview 

hand in deserved but humorous recognition of the President James O. 
Grimes, Esq. 

lSLBHTHj 



SECOND DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. 

The meeting was called to order by President Grimes. There were 
probably four thousand people on the ground. Rev. Samuel Forbes offered 
prayer, after which the Quaker City Band gave a series of pieces in its ex- 
cellent manner. The Fairview Rand played the " Pennyroyal Grand 
March," composed for the occasion by Prof. Lee. 

Rev. W. H. Morton moved the appointment of a committee to select 
officers for the ensuing year. He did not want to see Cambridge holding 
all the offices, and Oxford men doing all the work. W. PI. Morton, J. A. 
Buchanan, John Scott, James McClenahan and John Morton were appoint- 
ed. They reported the following : President, John Kirkpatrick ; Vice 
President, Joseph Ferrell; Secretary, D. D. Taylor; Treasurer, Newell 
Kennon ; Historian and Biographer, W. S. Heade ; Executive Committee, 
Win. Borton, Jonathan Rose, John Scott, D. C. Kennon and M. D. Ro- 
decker. Mr. Kirkpatrick was called out and returned thanks for the hon- 
or, after which a vote of thanks was tendered to the retiring officers. 

The secretary read letters, as follows : 

Princeton, Ills., August 8, 1881 
Tii the Pennyroyal Reunion : 

As your second reunion may be composed of all ages, a variety of tastes, and of 
every degree of intelligence, it might supply a want, and not be inappropriate to the oc- 
casion, for me to furnish a historical account of the causes which led to the construction 
of your National Turnpike Road, and the resources used for that purpose 

Our long struggle for independence had a depressing influence on the wants and 
spirits of the people. While the husband anil father was in the army, Ids labors at 
home frequently devolved on his wife, and she encumbered with helpless children. 
The paternal duty in such cases came in severe conflict with the feelings of patriotism. 
The almost worthless continental money afforded to the soldier a meagre means of sup- 
plying the wants of his family. His principal compensation consisted in the hope of a 
free country — governed by freemen. To secure that end, he was ready and willing to 
make great sacrifices. But the country at large was in honor and interest bound" to 
otter substantial inducements to the citizen to become asoldier Hence the Continental 
Congress made the pledge that thesoldier should be suitably rewarded for his military 
services by a donation of land, or the proceeds of the sale thereof. Though Congress 
neither owned nor had control of an acre of land at that time, yet vacant, unoccupied 
lands were abundant in the colonies, and it was believed that in some way the great 
heart of the American people would respond to the pledge of Congress, and that it 
would be fulfilled. So it was, ami without unnecessary delay. The definite treaty of 
peace, whereby our independence was secured, was ratified by Congress January 14th, 
178-t On the first of .March following, Virginia, after making some reservations to 
meet her engagements to her own soldiers, ceded to Congress the remainder of her 
interest in the lands north-west of the Ohio river New York, Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut had claims in the same territory, which at different times before and after the 
cession by Virginia were ceded to Congress. Thus the Continental Congress acquired 



34 SOUVENIR OF PENNY ROYALDOM. 

full and exclusive control (the Indian title excepted) of all the Ian Is north-wet of t'io 
( ih in river, and east of the Mississippi, with th • exceptions af nvsaid, and also except- 
ing the Connecticut Western lieserve. Thus the means were acquired by Congress of 
redeeming her pledges to the soldier and of constructing your National Turnpike lioad. 
According to t lie census preceding lier application for adinissi in, Ohi i had bn" 45.- 

000 'I he Ordinance of 1787 required a po ulatnn of 6 ',0 before a state should be 
a Indited into the Union. But a sharp co troversy arose between the advocate* of a 
'] eirilorhd and State governm nt, in which the latter had a majority Congress took 
advantage of that authority and agreed to ad nil < Ihio as a state into the Union without 
the requisite population, on conditions, one of which was that the lands of her pur- 
chasers shond be exempt fr in 1 1 ation for five years after the purchase. As a cunsid- 
ciation lor that exemption, a per cent of thd salin was t > ba ap;>liel "to the laying out 
and making turnpikes ami other road i leading fro n the navigable water- emptying into 
the Atlanti •, to the Ohio," etc The result of that arrangement was the creation of 
what is known as Ihe ";hree per eent. fond." *\ ith this t in 1 the turnpike was c nn- 
ineneed ai Cumberland, in the Sate ■ f Maryland, on the Potomac river After passing 
iliroigh pa'l of that Stat .and par; of Pennsylvania, it entered Ohio, without touching 
the tate of Virginia, except for a few miles through Ihe Pan-handle, east of Wheeling. 
After the road was made through Ohio to Dayton, on the Miami canal, the work w,.s 
disci ntinued. 

For many years after Ihe construction of the road, it was of considerable impor- 
tance to the people of Central Ohio, and to those living west of its western terminus, as 
affording a convenient way for travel, > no for Ihe transportation of produce and mer- 
chandize ; but i.s use ulne.-s has been long and much impaired by the building of rail- 
roads. The time may not be very distant when its toll-gates will be removed, and it 
kepi in repa r like the oher roads of the county. The road, at b st, was a trifling com- 
pensation to ihe Sta'e at large for the surrender of her right of taxation. 

Had he appl cation been deferred till the population had reached 611,00', Ohio- 
would have been admitted into the Union without conditions. In that case she would 
undoubtedly have had the right a once to tax all the landa in the State, whether owned 
hv ihe I'ni ed S ates or individuals. The deed of cession provided that the States to 
he formed out of the territory "should have the same rights of sovereignty, freedom 
and iudi'i endence as ihe other States." Other States of course could tax all property 
within their limits without regardjfco ownership Ohio, without ex ressly relinquish- 
ing that right, could have done likew ise. notwithstanding the act that 'no tax shall be 
impost d on lands, the property of the United states." '1 hat prohibitory act was passed 
Pv the Continental Congr bs in 1787. was in c inflict with the Constitution of the United 
States afterwards adopted, under which the State was admitted i ito the Union, and in 
plain violation of Virginia's deed of cession, whi h required the new -ta'e- to be ad- 
mitted .ui an equality with the old. IIuxuy Kknnon. 

Clyde, Cloud Co., Kansas, August 10th, 1881. 
To Mi/ Fr 1 1- mli of PennyroyaJdom : 

It i-i impossib'e to be with you in the flesh, but T am with you in spirit 
nt \-our grand re-uni n to-day There ean he no passion, no emotion any pu er than 
that « Inch hears us i ack 10 the spot which was the cradle of our childhood, the play- 
ground of our boyhood, the theatre of our manhood. Has th" Holy Book a pa-sage 
more deeply touch ns than that w I ieh pictures to us the daughters of a captive race, 
in their desolation of s at!, weeping by the waters of Babylon when they remembered 
theii lost homes and il e vanished towers of Zionr I as profane verse a line more ex- 
quisitely eloquent than that which tells us of the brave young Greek — beautiful and 
radiant as his native 1 nd— bleeding and dying on the plains c.f Latum, wiih his 
darkening eyes fixed on » ireece? I las political history a grainier incident than th it of 
' alien I lastingH, the dictator of India, in the midst of all his ambitious schemes, all 
through his struggles, his triumphs, his chins and splendors, over and always 
cherishing in his purer heart the hope and purpose of once more returning to his 
am e trnl honi" and spending there in calmness and goodness ihe evening of ids stoimy 

1 f, '.' And so it is to-dav with all the IVllliVroyalists who are out of Penuvroyaldoin. 
•'.n our minds," w. ar-allt eie with you at the r, -union. We all lande i ihere this 
morning, in the exact spot where we were best acquainted— on the spot iiiom endeared 
to us, and which the dust of our people for generations has sanctified 

Yes. we are all with von to-day. We are V siting aivund among the old patriarchs 
and their posterity. We a-e at the Dillons, Marlows, Fw/usons, Mortons, Heades, 
Wh- rrvs, Moores. Cranstons, Taylors, Andersons, Kenoons, Ableses, Likeses, Fair- 
view, Middletown, Bunk-r Hill, on the "Pike," on the "old Wheeling road." We are 
in nr visi nis and iirnno. ies. riding down young hi :kory trees hv the old Center school 
house, carrying water from the "cool spring-s." going to spelling sch ols, playing 
"blackmail" with the Taylors, Scurrs, Marlows, Merrymans, Mortons, Fergusons and 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYRO YALDOM. .% 

Wherrys, all boys together, having a general good time. V7e are planting mini and 
tobacco, pulling pennyroyal, hoeing corn, climbing cherry trees, borrowing water- 
melons from neighbors on the sly, distilling worm seed, going to apple cuttings and 
debates, running off to "Putney," occasionally to a dance. ~ The old chestnut trees, bee 
trees, coon trees, and the greaj oaks, which to us boys were held in as greal esteem as 
were the sacred oaks of Dodona by the Grecians, in the rust ling of whose leaven the 
voice "f the supreme divinity was believed to be heard. 

It is astonishing how we have scattered from our native Pennyrovaldom . From 
the field to the forum, to pulpits, to senates, to gold fields and to foreign lands. How 
many of OUT playmates have fallen in battle? How many have faced the mouths of 
belching cannon, and whose blood has crimsoned the limpid waters of our fair land 
from the rock-ribbed slopes of the Cumberland Mountains to the blood-stained 
fields of Chickamauga, who have been roused a thousand times from their midnight 
slumbers oil the tented Held by the long-roll and sprang to anus to meet the foe in 
defense of their own loved country, and to-day they wear crowns that, like the 
Iannis of Tiberius, shall be forever green, defiant of lime and imperishable. 

How many young scholars in Fennyroyaldoui to-day, fresh from their hooks, 
with the lire of sunny Attica in their brains, pant and burn to one day lling the 
glory of their hit Meet o er all the country, ami with their eloquence launch it into 
ecstacies and lead it captive. The public displays of these young chanters o( the 
psans of the nation swell the glowing current of each one's glorious career, and are 
bo many waves that lift him from thestr nds of private life, carrying him with flying colors 
under a full press of shining sail, out upon the broad sea, where all ' the land 
beholds him with delight and cheers him on his venture. 

Honinathat tries" re-unionl may be kept alive until I can attend one in person, 
I .tin your old schoolmate and friend, Lewis \V. BoRTON. 

Cincinnati. August 9th, 1881. 
J. 0. ': "''icv, Esq. Pren : dent "Pennyoyal Puffers:" 

Your elaborate programme for the re-union, although carefully prepared, omits 
one thing -a temperance lecture, or a "temperance plank in the platform," at least — 
not for the P< ■nnyrovalists themselves, who are temperate in all things save austerity. 
Temperance lectures, like sermons, lit only that large class of persons known as 
"other pe pie," and you should have a temperance speech or temperance plank, 
and put it in all the pp-rs for the benefit of outsiders and to protect the good 
name, fame and reputation of all Pennyrovaldom I am moved to say all this 
becau e, while on the cars of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad last summer, just after 
your re-union, I heard a gentleman comment on your re-union. He expressed him- 
self freely on the subject, and his views and opinions were as positive as his lack 
of information was large His idea was that "that pennyroyal country was a sort of 
scrub oak and huckleberry region," where the natives spent their summers in pulling 
pennyroyal and distilling— actually dwlilling—irom it some kind of intoxicating bever- 
age; and, as a matter of course, at these re-unions the natives spent their time in 
compounding from the weed some kind of intoxicating "witches' broth," and indulged 
in wild orgies and bacchanalian revelry. 

That is about what outsiders may think of your Pennyroyal country and Pennyroyal 
re-union -i. Now. won't you adopt a temperance plank ? If you don't, how can that tem- 
perance apo=tle(ess omitted), Mattie and here's a bow to her), explain to the outside 
world her attending the re-union, even if it be to speak on the most charming of 
subjects: "The Oxford Girls? " Or how ran David ; 1 1 u ■ younger, to distinguish him 
from the man who carried a sling) — David who is to address the "Oxford Beys," those 
pennvroyal pullers, the young Racchuses — how, I ask, can David justify his conduct to 
the next Loveand camp-meeting-pnlitieal-temperance-convention. Verily, you must 
give some relief or "Tho-so who s iw to day in joy may reap again in tears." — New 
V rsion. 

The gentleman who expressed thos«i anti-pennyroyal views on the car* wore clerical 
:'irs, in fact, was a minister, and perhaps knew the names and properties of all the 
herb- and bush- s mentioned in the P.ible, but was ignorant of the properties of the 
humble little plant which grew and bloomed about bis boyhood's feet— the emblem on 
the pennyroyal banner, and whose warmth and pervading fragrance so fitly bet ken 
the friendly greetings and enjoyment at these re-unions. 

Though absent, I send this sprig in memory of the occasion, with greetings to all. 

J D. Henry. 

MlDDLEBOURXE, July 11th, 1881. 
To J. ft Grimes President of Pennyroyal: 
" What sought they thus afar'.' " 
Our pioneer fathers mostly were possessed of large and increasing families. For 
instance, Benjamin Masters' sons and daughters in all numbered eighteen, and his 



3<3 80 1 r VENIR OF PENNYRO YALDOM. 

brother Richard's about twelve. Several of the Mcl'eek families were large, so with 
] Isiviil Smith's ami the Valentines, ami in ny more could he named as having many 
children. They sought land, that they and tin ir children might he independent, own- 
ing their own homesteads ml having no use for the landlord and tenant laws, that their 
children instead of savin,' in the future, "the land I now hold on yonr honor's estate is 
the same t at my grandfather lilled," they could say "I own this happy home by my 
own labor; " or, "I inherit it from my ancestors." Free homes could he enjoyed hy 
those who had moiiey to buy them in the older States, but in Ohio I ml was so cheap 
that men of slender me<<ne could acquire farms, or land that could be changed into 
farms, by mm h labor and very little money. 

The fame of Ohio for its fertile si il spread through the older States, and excited a 
general desire among the people to go in and occupy, ami soon they were crow ding the 
dill'i rent mountain passes toward the goodly land, which they called "Goshen," 
'Canaan," "the land flowi g with milk and honey," etc. And so, in 1802, they com- 
menced coming into Oxford, as into other parte of Ohio. So( n the immigrant built his 
cabin and commence i clearing land, and they continue to clear at the present day. 
Hard times and hard wi rk had they for many years. Benjamin Masters erected a 
hoix-m II as early as 1805, near where Middletown now stands, and in 1810 built a 
water-mill, thus hi stow ing a great In nefaction upon the pi i pie — changing their grain 
into meal and flour About the same time salt works were erected at Seneca, thus sup- 
plying another great m ed. 'I hen the Zano road was opened, and still later, in 1K-7 the 
National 1' ke was made, greatly to tin ir advantage; and then, twenty-five years after, 
came the railroad, changii g things for the worse for the towns along the pike, hut still 
pubsi rving the substantial interests of Oxford and it.- farmers hy lessening the cost of 
transportation and incr asing the value of their produce. 

Education seemed to he crowded out for a long — too long — a ti i e;hut at length the 
schools had their small beginnings, from which they have advanced steadily until they 
now stand upon the very satisfactory footing we all witness with so much pleasure, 
this day. 

I congratulate the good people of Oxford this day assembled in remembrance of 
their ancestors, to whom ti cy ; re so much indebted for their happy condition of life — 
for free homes, lire schoola, free speech, freedom to worship Ood, and the many other 
comforts they now enjoy. 

I had thought to he with you at this reunion, hut don't f el very well ahle tocome ; 
hut my best wishes are with yt U that you may all have a day so happy that you may 
look hark upon it with pleasure until your latest day. 

VVith kindest wishes for each one of all your assembled host, I am your friend, 

W ll.l.HM Mol. TON 

Extract from a letter from Mrs. I) . Anderson to her father, William Morton, of 
Middlebourne : 

C'i i.iui.x, Ixi> , July 20th, 1881. 
My Dear Father: 

The Times and Jkkff.ksonian, ever welcome visitors, arrived by yesterday's mail. 
1 see in them a notice of a re-union of the old citizens of I'ennyrovaldom. ami as I r ad 
over the names of some of those expected there on that joyous occasion my heart was 
strangely stirred within me 1 cannot tell you here — 'twould take too long — of the happy 
scenes which came quickly crowding my memory, ami tears tilled my eyes when I 
thought of all the friends of my girh ood days who would there meet and clasp glad 
hands, and I so far away. The happiest days of my life— freest from trouble and care 
— were spent in Oxford township, of all the world the dearest place hy far to me It 
seems so short a time since I was associated with many whose names I see in the paper, 
and yet how we are scattered ! I often read their names in different papers, telling 
somewhat of their movements in life, ever rejoicing in their prosperity and sympathiz- 
ing when sol row reaches them. 

I hope you will he there and have a good time, and give ray kindest regards and a 
"Ood liless you" to all my old friends and schoolmates, and tell them for me that I 
hope to meet them all at that last grand re-union in the "Beautiful Evermore." 

Maggie M. Anderson. 

Rochester, N. Y., August 2, 1SS1. 
Dear Friend Taylor: 

I shall have to deny myself the joy of meeting and greeting many of the loved and not- 
forgotten friends of my school days. The "Pennyroyal" township is the mother of 
many children of whom she may well be proud, as they are "royal" in every part cular. 
I come very near being scented with pennyroyal myself, as I first saw the light of day 
"just on tlie line," in Londonderry township. Next to "Derry" (excuse the exception) 



SO UVENIB OF PENNYROYALDOM. 37 

I don't believe there is a township in America that has produced better men and women 
than old Pennyroyal. Give the dear old boys and girls my wannest greetings, and 
assure them my prayer is that the best blessings of the Master may be theirs to enjoy. 

J. P. Saxkey." 
Mr. D I> Taylor : 

I hope yon will have a good time, and that you will sueceed in brightening the 
chain which binds together all the loyal children' of Pennyroyal. D. Paul 

W. N. Cowdeu, for the members of the old stone church, presented in a 
happy speech, an elegant Bible to Rev. Hugh Forsythe, for many years 
pastor of the church. The Bible was bound in morocco, and on its back in 
gold letters was the inscription; "Old Stone Church. Rev. Hugh For- 
sythe. An affectionate remembrance by those who waited on your min- 
istry." He also presented a scrap book containing the autographs of as 
many of the members as could be procured, with many warm letters from 
absent ones. Mr. Cowdeu's speech was as follows: 

SPEECH OF HON W. N. COWDEN— PRESENTATION. 

Last year when the Pennyroyalists met on these grounds to exchange 
friendly greetings, to recount their joys and sorrows, their trials and triumps 
it was natural that the uniform successes achieved by the citizens of this 
township in the various walks of life should lead to the inquiry : "Why 
have our citizens been so uniformly successful ? What cause, or causes, 
have produced this result'.'" It was agreed by all the speakers that the 
cause was to be found in the good schools and churches that were early 
planted all over this township. 

Very frequent reference was made to one particular church — the Old 
Stone Church, that long stood on yonder hill, and to the in- 
fluence it had exerted on the township. It was 
found that many who had achieved success in various avocations of life had 
received their early moral and religions training in that church ; it was 
found that an uncounted number of teachers had gone out from that church, 
many of them eminent, and some pre-eminent, to preach the gospel to a lost 
world. Accordingly, it was proposed that this year at there-union a public 
acknowledgment of your services as the pastor of that old church, and as 
the only living pastor, should be made. A committee was appointed to ask 
the autographs and a small amount of money from each one who had waited 
on your ministry there. The enterprise met with a hearty response. Let- 
ters and money came from all over the East and West, many of the donors 
expressing joy at the privilege of contributing to such a worthy object. 
The money has been invested in a beautiful family Bible, which as the rep- 
resentative of the committee and as the representative of those who attended 
your ministry, I have the honor and pleasure of presenting to you as a token 
of our respect for you, and as a memento, a memorial of those early associa- 
tions — to remind you that your labors there are not forgotten and never 
CD be frtgotten. They will be recollected and cherished down to the last 
syllable of recorded time and onward through a vast eternity of unrecorded 
time. 

With this Bible we also present a scrap book containing the autographs 
of the donors and the letters to which they were affixed, if you have ever 
felt that you have lived in vain; if you have ever felt that you have accom- 
plished little for God and humanity, I beg to assure you that these letters 
will dispel any such feeling. Here are letters from representative men of 



38 SOUVENIR OF PENNY ROYALDOM. 

the great West, who say that, next to the influence of home, they owe all 
that they are or ever hope to be to you. Here are ministers who have but 
few peers in eloquence and theological attainments, who say they would 
probably never have entered the ministry had it not been for your instruct- 
ion and encouragement. No, sir; you have not lived in vain. You have 
started streams of influence that have widened and deepened and that will 
widen and deepen until time is too short to record all you have accom- 
plished. Eternity alone is long enough and vast enough to record all. 

Two feelings are struggling for the mastery in my heart to-day. One 
of joy, another of sadness — one of pleasure, another of pain. Joy, when I 
recollect that I enjoyed the privilege of attending that Old Stone Church. 
Joy, when I think of the cherished youthful friendships made and cemented 
there. Joy, when I recollect that there, from your lips, I fir t heard the of- 
ficial invitation of the Gospel. Oh, that Old Stone Church! most sacred 
spot on memory's page. I see it yet, as it stands surrounded by its 
stately trees. I see the old oak that stood at its threshold. I see the pews 
with their closed doors. I see the reverent worshippers as they tread the 
sacred aisles. I hear the solemn tones of Rev. Forsythe as he announces a 
psalm, reads a chapter or implores the Throne of Grace. Memory will not 
let die such pleasing recollections. But the picture is shaded when I look 
around and inquire where are those worshippers to-day. A few, a very few, 
of the original band remain. Their names we will not mention. But where 
are the McClenahans, the Wallaces, the Wherrys, the Lemons, the Pauls, 
the Campbells, the Forbeses, the Hutchisons, the Armstrongs, tlu •McKees, the 
McCreas, the Daughertys, the Thompsons, the Tracys and others. Here and 
there may be found a single representative of some of these families, and 
some of them are not represented here at all. Some have gone to the East, 
many have gone to the West, and at least two congregations have been or- 
ganized out of the original band. And many others — oh, how many others 
— of those who went and those who stayed have fallen in life's conflict. 
Some in youth, some in middle life and many in old age, gathered as a shock 
of corn fully ripe. Of all these, may we not indulge the hope that to-day 
they are "summering high in glory." As a memorial of these recollections 
ami associations, we beg you to accept this Bible, and be assured that it 
comes to you freighted with affections as pure as any known to the human 
heart. 

Rev. Forsythe responded feelingly and at length as follows: 

RESPONSE OF REV. HUGH FORSYTHE. 

Rev. Forsythe said he was placed in such a position that he could hardly 
say how grateful he was. He could not feel that he had deserved it. He 
had endeavored to do his duty, and he was thankful for the elegant gift. A 
more appropriate or more precious gift could not be given. It has been 
well said that the Bible has God for its author, salvation for its end, and 
truth for its matter. Like the pillar of cloud and fire, it was not given to man for 
his amusement, but for his guide. It contains God's thoughts. He valued the 
gift for itself far above gold and silver, and still more for the motives of the 
donors. His church was not sectarian here. This was a Methodist commu- 
nitv, and he liked the Methodists because they are a working church. He 
spoke of his friendship with Revs. Davidson, Shire, Harris aud others, and 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYRO YALDOM. 39 

his old friend, John Duncan, a Presbyterian, and dosed by saying he would 
ever hold in grateful remembrance the friends who had made this gift. 

Rev. W. II. Morton was glad to be present at this second reunion where 
we retrospect the past and enjoy the present and talk about the future. He 
could not tell about hunting deer like D. D. Taylor and Kirkpatrick, though 
he had done sonic dear hunting; neither had he ever killed an Indian — they 
left when they heard he was coming. Our ancestors are passing awav; they 
lived in historical times, and were themselves part of history. It is not too 
late to gather the history of Eastern Ohio. He then gave an account of the 
formation of Ohio, of Guernsey county, and of Oxford township, and closed 
with a tribute to the women of Oxford, who bore their part as nobly as the 
sterner sex. 

The speech of Mrs. Mattic McClelland Brown was the speech of the day. 
Though she was down on the programme for a formal speech, she did not 
make one. 

But said would rather take all present by the hand and look into the 
dear faces that greeted her twenty years ago. She did not feel like a stran- 
ger. It seemed as if she had just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle sleep 
to look upon the same hills and valleys and streams and into the same faces 
that she knew so well in years agone. The name of Oxford she thought 
good. There was a premonition in it — a prophecy of that intellectual 
power of which we see only the beginning. The origin of this intellectual 
force is the stalwart Christianity of the early days — the puritanical teachings 
of Calvanism and the emotional Armenianism. The emotional is a grand 
feature. There is no greatness without it; and when controlled by intellect 
it is a source of the greatest power. She congratulated herself that as an or- 
phan she had been placed among these forces. 

She was not old, yet there men here with full whiskers and gray hairs 
who were her schoolmates. There was D. C. Kennon, who was known as 
"the sweet white headed little boy;" then there was one of the secretaries, 
who was so like the father of his country that he would not tell a lie — not 
even about kissing the girls. But he has fallen and is now editor of the 
Times. The girls that were are not. Eliza Kennon, Mary Plattenburg and 
others have their identity merged in some one else. With natural modesty, 
girls of the present day cared only to be known as the sister of some man. 
The Marys and Marthas succeed about as well as the Georges and Davids. 
She was glad women did not have to be politicians, for now they can say 
what they think. The promotion of women by education she regarded as 
one of the grandest features of the world. We have a right to be proud of 
the women, as well as the men, of Ohio. Long ago men did not want to 
hear women speak in public. She had been told that she had better be at 
home attending to her children. She had sometimes taken these grumblers 
with her and showed them that her children were as well cared for as 
theirs, and were a good deal better looking. She had been six years on the 
platform working for temperance when the great crusade came. Then 
scores of women came to the front and relieved her. This is not the last of 
Oxford township — it is but the beginning. The girls are coming forward, 
receiving inspirations as of old. What good they may accomplish in the 
world none but the infinite know-. The forests have been cloven, the fields 
have been cleared, and they are now sowing the seed, 



40 son 'ex in of penny r o yald om. 

that shall be reaped Id the years to come. The work of de- 
veloping the people is in their hands. You are making history now, per- 
haps more grand than in the past. The great aim of civilization is devel- 
opment of character. She did not like the old canting expression, that we 
are all worms of the dust; we are human beings. Let us dwell more on the 
possibilities of our being, that future generations may thank God that we live 
to-day. 

The meeting adjourned for dinner. Most of those present brought 
baskets. It would have been hard to gather up twelve baskets full of frag- 
ments after dinner. 

The same crowd gathered around the stage in the afternoon. 

Mrs. Sarah Taylor was called out and responded. She could only say 
amen to the address of Mrs. Brown. She spoke of the schools of the olden 
time taught at Center and other districts, and remembered when school ex- 
hibitions were given in the woods by the light of lanterns. She hoped edu- 
cation might increase in the years to come as it had doue in the past. 

Mrs. Brown said: I am glad, although few of you can hear what 
Mother Taylor has said, to see you loaning forward that you may hear. 
You have given her recognition, and she has given you sons who can make 
themselves heard. I have always looked upon her as a model mother and 
one of the representative women of Oxford township. 

John A. Buchanan said that ten years ago he left Pennyroyaldom to try 
his fortune on the sea of life. To-day he returned to greet old friends. 
Many new faces had come on the scene and many familiar ones are gone. 
Every community has its characteristics; that oi Oxford is its intellectuality. 
Our ancestors were not satisfied with a common school education. The 
township had produced a man who had sat on the Supreme Bench of Ohio, 
and it had produced divines who were known throughout the country and 
the world. 

The chair introduced a man who, he said, had the D. D. to the wrong 
end of his name, but who was generally a success. 

D. D. Taylor said the Chair did him honor over-much. He was glad 
to meet with the Pennyroyalists — and their sisters and their cousins and their 
aunts. He was on the programme for a speech on the "Boys of Oxford." 
He supposed he was put on the platform because was a boy. He wished he 
wasn't — he had no business to lie a boy. He knew where he got his D. 
D.'s; but he never knew till yesterday that he had been to college. He 
graduated at Center. He was a man of experience, and had heard some of 
the greatest orators, but had never before heard such a speech as that of 
Mattie McClelland Brown, of Oxford, of Ohio, of United States. The boys 
of Oxford and the girls of Oxford were twin subjects. If they had not been 
twin subjects thirty or forty years ago, this audience would have been mighty 
slim to-day. Where are the hoys of fifty years, thirty years, twenty years 
aj_o'? All gone; and in their places are bald-headed and wrinkled men. 
Look at Dr. Hawthorne. Pennyroyal is an emblem; it is what we make it 
mean. For us it means a renewal of acquaintance and a strengthening of 
fellowship. It was at Center school house that the improved methods of 
education were first adopted. He alluded in feeling terms to his mother, 
who had supplied with teachers almost every school between Wheeling and 
Zanesville. Oxford township had a full quota of representatives in every 
honorable profession — but mighty few in the penitentiary. 



iOUYBRIR OR PBRRVROY-OLDOm, 



THIRD REUNIDN, 

'HE rains full and the prospects were dull for a brilliant Reunion on 
(the 22nd of August, 1882. But in the afternoon the clouds were dis- 
persed and the sun beamed down benignantly upon the fifteen hun- 
dred heads that braved the frowning elements, and, through storm and mud, 
gathered in the grove of majestic oaks that surrounds old Center school 
house in Oxford township. On the second day the weather was favor- 
able. The dust was laid, the sun shed its warmest beams, and all were 
happy. At the least calculation four thousand people assembled under the 
wide-reaching branches of the Center oaks, and renewed old acquaintances, 
anil lived over again those happy hours spent in the old log school house 
that has been recently replaced by a building of more modern structure. 
We are unable to present all the pi lasant features of this reunion. The 
types are too weak to pretend to give even a suggestion of the joyousness 
that pervaded the pure atmosphere of that shrine of Pennyroyaldom; nor 
can we reproduce to our readers those magnetic thrills that tingled the 
nerves of the old-time residents and natives of Pennyroyaldom as they 
clasped the hands of the long absent friends and recalled the recollections 
of by-gone years. We are unable to reproduce the emotions that pierce the 
breast oftriends long severed upon their first joyous meeting, or to give 
adequate expression to the sentiments that swell the hearts of men when 
they return to the scenes — the sacred scenes — of their early childhood. 
The following is a correct, but condensed, report of the proceedings: 

FIRST DAY. 
After music by the Washington band, and an opening song by the 
choir. Rev. John Allies, an aged father, led in prayer. The address of wel- 
come was delivered by J. Baker Borton, who said that he had been enlisted 
in the cause of Pennyroyaldom for a good many years, and had experi- 
enced its toils and fortunes, its pains and pleasures; and when 1 say "wel- 
come," I say it in no individual sense. The word expresses the feeding of 
old Oxford as a whole, and particularly to those from a distance do we ex- 



42 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

tend a full and hearty greeting. Many persons and objects here to-day will 
recall pleasant reminiscences of the past and bring to mind old associations 
which the flying wheels of Time have been unable to efface. These grand 
oaks, monuments of by-gone days, could they speak, would say "welcome." 
And when you depart and return to your homes, we wish you to possess an 
increased feeling of love and affection for the <>ld homes and old friends here, 
knowing and realizing that we feel deeply interested in your future welfare- 
Hoping your stay with us may be pleasant, to one and all, we repeat' 
"Welcome!" 

J. O. Grimes, Esq., the retiring President, responded as follows: 
My Friends: I believe this welcome to be heartfelt and sincere. To 
what are we welcome? What are we here for? The meeting has nothing 
to do with agriculture, science, politics, education or religion. There is 
something back of all this. There is a principle planted in the nature of 
man that I feel proud of. It is sociability. We come here to commingle 
our feelings, our hearts and our voices; to make our enemies, if we have any, 
our friends; to greet with affection those from whom we have beenseparated, 
and a touch of whose hands sends our thoughts fleeing back to by-gone 
years when we sported in childhood's innocent glee. This beautiful 
country, upon which we now look with pride, was once a howling wilder- 
ness, infested with wild animals and wilder men. You have all heard of the 
hardships of our forefathers, and I need not recount them here; but thev en- 
joyed life and made money. I remember the old English Reader, Mur- 
ray's Speller and Kirkham's Grammar, although I am not such an old man 
yet. Still some folks speak of me as Old Grimes. (A voice, "Old feather 
Grimes.") Some of those old books had in them good moral lessons. 
Many have stuck to me through life. Many influential men who are to- 
day to be found in the pulpit, at the forum, in Congress and occupying 
other high positions, have gone out from Pennyroyaldom. I do not know 
how this little plant became an inhabitant of this township. It flourished 
when the wdiite man first came here. Commissioner Morton used to tell me 
that when all other resources failed the early settlers in raising money, they 
used to go to picking pennyroyal and distilled it, in this way raising money 
to pay taxes and other expenses. One good thing, there is nothing like it, 
nothing made with hands can compare to it, and that is the pride I feel in 
stating the feet that I have the honor of being born in the little state of 
Oxford. 

John Kirkpatriek, the president elect, delivered his inaugural address. 
He began with an apology by saying that he had been traveling for the 
past two days constantly, to reach this Pennyroyal reunion and that he was 
experiencing a feeling of fatigue and weariness. He here presented a very 
beautiful and neatly arranged boquet of choice flowers, presented and sent 
with him by Miss Nannie McClenahan, of Clinton county, Iowa, and 
daughter of Robert MeClenahan, formerly of this township. He spoke of 
the great number of Penny royalists who are scattered all over this land in 
honest pursuits and holding high positions; that we should not have a re- 
union to-day with the living but also with the dead, and brought to mind 
those old patriots in the work who had passed over the mystic river since the 
last meeting one year ago. He deemed it expedient to notice the financial 



Souvenir of pennyroyaldom. 43 

standing of the association, and thought that each year should pay its own 
way. And as a means to procuring some funds suggested that certificates 
of membership be printed neatly and attractively, designed t<> be framed 
and used as parlor ornaments, and that all the members be obliged to pur- 
chaseoncat a small cost. He would be proud of one thing, that each true 
Pennyroyalist could look bach on old Oxford as a little republic in itself, 
one of love and affection in which the ruling law was truth, honesty and in- 
tegrity. There is not a spot six miles square on the face of the globe which 
has produced as many useful and important men and as great workers as 
this old township. And in connection with this republic idea I would sug- 
gest that a suitable committee be delegated to devise a banner and that this 
be called the Pennyroyal flag, and around it all the subjects of this little 
kingdom rally with one heart and voice. And as the brawny Egyptians 
unite in holding sacred and true the little dirty rag that floats over their 
creed and principles, or the patriotic Irishman, who around the green flag 
with the sunburst crowning it, sends up pure national feelings of his in- 
most soul, so I would have our Hag held in the mind of every true hearted 
Pennyroyalist and in all processions and on every gala day let the Hag float 
side by side with the old stars and stripes. 

On motion of Win. Borton, the President's suggestions were adopted. Col. 
J. D. Taylor and Hon. Win. Borton were on the programme to speak on the 
"Recollections of Old Center." The former was absent, but the latter re- 
sponded as follows. 

I do not consider myself a very old man, and to give me this subject is 
not a compliment to a man of my looks and age; but after thinking the mat- 
ter over, I find that I can go back pretty far in the past. And to do so we 
must leave these green fields, these present improvements — leave the mow- 
ing machine and the threshing machim — and we find ourselves in imagina- 
tion in an unbroken forest, where the tinkle of the cowbells, the sharp 
crack of the hunter's rifle or the heavy stroke of the woodman's axe are the 
only sounds to break the solemn stillness. And to come to old Center: 
The original house was burned down, and one erected near the present site 
of hewed logs. My first teacher's name was Anguish, and I thought that 
the man's name and nature corresponded, for he did put more anguish into 
his administration than I thought to be proper. He taught a loud school, 
where every scholar studied out loud, and the noise produced was a perfect 
bedlam. Here he gave a specimen of reading: "A hungry bear in walking 
mood, came from a leafy neighboring wood," etc. Then a man named Pat- 
terson taught for a number of years. Oh, those long, dreary years, to me, 
at least. I went into the room a little late my first morning and began out 
loud to get my lesson, when both teacher and scholars commenced laughing. 
The custom had been changed. I remember of going to the old Pisgah 
Church to hear Rev. Keil, who is still living, and it was before the floor was 
laid. Strangely enough I can still remember the text to this day: "For 
as many as are led by the spirit of God they are the sons of God." 

Col. Jake Kemple, of Wheeling, entertained the audience with one of 
his characteristic humorous addresses. 

Hon. Jos. Ferrell, Rev. John Abies, and Dr. J. H. Grimes made short 
addresses, after which the proceedings were adjourned until ten o'clock 
Thursday morning. 



44 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

SECOND DAY. 

By ten o'clock the beautiful grove was alive with happy-faced, holiday- 
attired humanity. On the outskirts of the woods were hundreds of vehicles 
of all shapes and styles, from the old fashioned farm wagon and carryall to 
the modern barouche and fancy phaeton. Refreshment stands were numer- 
ous, and the stentorian tones of the dispensers of mild lemonade could be 
heard in every direction, while every tree seemed to conceal behind its 
trunk a modest peanut vender ready and only too willing to pounce upon 
the first unlucky youth who sought rest under its umbrageous branches. 
A shooting gallery and other innocent resorts offered amusement and re- 
creation to those so inclined. The crowd was not to be compared with any 
of like proportions we have ever seen. There was no disorder, there was no 
boisterous behavior, but this vast gathering was as orderly as any company 
in a lady's parlor. Not only was this a marked characteristic, but a stranger 
could discern at a glance the air of superior intelligence and refinement that 
pervaded and distinguished thehappy throng from almost any other crowd 
of like size. 

Promptly at ten o'clock the President announced the opening of the. 
exercises. The Washington Band played, with good effect, that sweet hymn, 
"Nearer My God to Thee," after which Rev. Samuel Forbes offered prayer. 
The band then played a quick march. The President announced that there 
was some business to attend to, and that now was a proper time to do so. 

J. O. Grimes moved that the Chairman appoint a Committee of seven 
members to nominate officers and committemen for the ensuing year. Car- 
ried. The chair named the following gentlemen as members of that com- 
mittee: J. O. Grimes, Hon. Newell Kennon, Jonathan Rose, Esq., Hon. 
Wm. Borton, Hon. Joseph Terrell, D. D. Taylor, Esq., Dr. J. H. Grimes. 

On account of the rain the programme of the day before was incom- 
plete, and Col. J. D. Taylor being present to-day, he was called upon to 
speak, being down on the programme of Wednesday to give some "recol- 
lections of Old ('enter." 

Col. Taylor, alter a few preliminary remarks, spoke as follows: 

Thirty or forty years ago — yes more than forty years ago — I played 
tinder these trees; and, this morning, I thought of the old log that used to lie 
some place near here. I never whipped but one boy while teaching in 
yonder school house, but I whipped him in dead earnest. He was a self- 
willed, spirited child, and after 1 whipped him I took him by the hand and 
led him to the old log, and, sitting there, pointed out to him the folly and 
wickedness of his course. After that I never had any more trouble with 
him. I was afraid the punishment I gave him would involve me in a law- 
suit, but his father soon after told in ! tli • boy was better than he had ever 
been. Hence I think of that old log. Over there to the west I used to 
help Uncle Billy Borton plant mint. But where are the boys that were 
here? I have met some of them on the far Pacific slops; the graves ofsome 
of them are in southern lands, and unmarked and unknown. So it is, the 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYBOYALDOM. 45 

old and middle-aged and young, arc gone, and gone foreverj and these facta 
should admonish us that we, too, must soon pass off the stage of action. 
Even many of these majestic oaks that I knew so well have been removed 
and new ones are taking their places. I am proud ofthis reunion. Would 
have been here last year, hut was a thousand miles away. There is no 
place I would rather be than in old Center. I say this is a great reunion — 
a reunion of fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers. We are apt to 
become sordid and neglect to cultivate the social faculties, and I know these 
reunions do me good. These changes I have spoken of are very rapid — 
even in my own family. Last year I read in your journals that my mother 
was here; and a brother whom, in recollection, 1 see a little white headed 
boy, picking blackberries, running races, hoeing corn and climbing up the 
big apple tree to get me the best and biggest apple — and he, too, is gone. 
There is not a family here but has had these experiences. I see a lady 
before me whose little boy was my dearest friend — but he sickened and died. 
It appears as if I could stand before you all day and recount a thousand 
recollections of old Center, and crowd out all these gentlemen; but some 
dav 1 expect to gather all the records together and form a history. I thank 
you for your attention, and will not consume the time further. 

N. H. Barber made a few eloquent remarks, in which he asserted that 
Oxford township had turned out more able men to its acres than any other 
spot on God's footstool. 

A letter from George S. Graham was read by W. S. Heade, as follows: 

LETTER FROM GEO S. GRAHAM. 

Kansas City, Mo., August 1st, 1882. 

,/. Kirhpatrich, Esq., President Pennyroyal Reunion: 

Dear Sir : Seeing rav name in the list of those expected to make speeches at the 
coming Reunion, to be held at eld "Center," as I shall not this year have the pleasure 
of being with you in person, though I will be with you in spirit, I send greetings by 
letter to all the old friends and childhood playmates of my native land. Though but a 
boy when, several years ago, I left Pennyroyaldom with my father's family, soon to 
launch out for myself to try the boundless west, the <lin of a hurried busy life has not 
drowned the recollection of early teachings and training received while growing up in 
vour midst What education fluve I owe mainly to the splendid District Schools of 
Oxford township, being a graduate of Bridgewatcr College, of which, Mr. President, you 
once had the honor of being Principal, and the writer one of your hopeful pupils. I go 
back in memory to that time. I can see the school house with its ample play ground 
in front; I can see the arrangement of desks inside, with many of their occupants; I can 
sec the "Master" with the ever convenient rod under his arm (ever, too, too convenient 
for ray unalloyed happiness.) It all comes forcibly to my mind now, just as the afore- 
mentioned rod used to come to my back then. Very many, if not all, of those, your 
scholars, Mr President, now have the care of families, and the responsibilities of life in 
earnest. We all doubtless thought we ha 1 many trials and tribulations to go through 
then, hut those were the happiest days any of us will ever see. "Dear unto me are 
the scenes ot my childhood." There are many things it would be pleasant to me to 
write, but perhaps would not be interesting to" you to read. And, lest I tax your 
patience, I will draw this letter to a close, hoping this Reunion will be the most enjoy- 
able ever held and that thej mav he held from year to year until time shall he no more, 
and that I with others of Oxford's sons and daughters who are trying to bear well their 
part in their adopted homes far distant from their nativity, may be able to gather fre- 
quently with you, until we all shall be permitted to gather at the great and happy Re- 
union above. Very Truly Yours, 

Geo. S. Graham. 

Prof. W. Glass, who is known far and wide as an instructor in musio 
having given instruction to 33,000 individuals, stepped to the front of the 
stage, and was greeted with applause. After making a short address, he 



46 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

sang with fine effect that old temperance song, "Father is a Drunkard and 
Mother is Dead." 

"Talks by Pioneers" were next on the programme. 

W. Bernard — I do not profess to be a public speaker, although I used 
to attend a little literary society when a boy. I have been .solicited to say 
something about the war of '12. I was in that war. Our regiment was in 
sections, each section drafted at a time; was in the third class, and was 
drafted about the time of the Bladensburg races, and some of our boys never 
stopped running until they got home. Mr. Bernard then recounted his ex- 
perience as a soldier at considerable length. 

Jonathan Garrett — I have lived here since 1812. Then this was a wild 
looking country. Indian wigwams were within half a mile of our house. 
We used to be atraid to go into the woods. When I look around and see 
the progress since, I am astonished. I have seen hardships. There were 
abundance of deer, wolves ami hears in those days. We used to kill deer 
and tan hides, and make moccasins and shoe strings, which we called 
"whangs," and the leather was colored with hickory bark. When they 
grew old they got as stiff as sole leather. We had rope mills, and raised lots 
of flax. Tow was for common wear, and linen for Sunday. Made the 
breeching and tugs of our harness out of tow, ha 1 no leather then. I could 
point out the fulfilment of prophecy in the progress we have made. I could 
take you hack into Quaker City when there was only one cabin there. I 
can now go into Hall's greenhouse, that looks like a paradise, where sixty 
years ago could be heard only the growl of the bear and the shrieks of the 
panther. I could talk an hour, but have to be brief; will close by 
singing a patriotic song that I learned when a boy — "Cornwallis' surrender 
atYorktown" — and every true American should know it. 

Mr. Garrett sang the song with good effect. 

After music by the hand, the chairman announced a recess for 
refreshments. 

The hour passed pleasantly enough under the trees, on the gently 
sloping hillsides, where families spread the cloth and emptied the heaped- up 
baskets, and, with true Pennyroyal hospitality, made the stranger and the 
well-known friend equally welcome and at ease. The feast was one long to 
be remembered, and itsjoyousness and heartiness will he recalled in future 
years by many of the participants. Many a child of to-dry, in years to 
come, when the golden locks have lost their tinge, and the ruddy cheeks 
their youthful bloom, will remember with emotions of pleasure, the delights 
of this hour in the woods. 

At one o'clock the programme was resumed. George Plattenburg, 
aged eighty-four, was called to the stage. He said he could not make a 
speech, but would talk a little, merely to give a little insight into the man- 
ners of the times in which he was raised. 

When I first saw Ohio, I was only one year old, coming with my 
parents from Maryland. At that time we lived different from the present. 
Persons would be astonished at the great change. When a boy I have run 
many a time to Christmas without shoes or stockings. We wore tow-linen 
pants in summer. Linsey used to be the common dress. The first fulling 
mill was Jas. Gadd's, out from town a piece. We used to have singing 
schools, but I never was in a church until I was fourteen. There was not a 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 47 

church in town, hut plenty of .saloons. We had horse races and musters six 
or eight times a year, with fighting like dogs, ball alleys, pitching horse 

shoes, etc. 

J. O. Grimes, of the committee to nominate officers, reported the 
following: 

President, John Kirkpatrick; Vice President, Hon. Joseph Ferrellj 
Secretary, D. D. Taylor; Treasurer, Hon. Newell Kennon; Corresponding 
Secretary, W. 8. Heade; Executive Committee, Hon. Win. Borton, Dr. (i. 
H. Stout, D. C. Kennon, Thos. Smith, Jonathan Rose. 

The report was adopted. 

Mr. Kirkpatrick said that for the second time he had been elected Presi- 
dent, and he did not propose to make a second inaugural. He wished to 
remark, however, that to the administration of the former President much 
of the success of this reunion is due. Therefore he moved a vote of thanks 
to J. O. Grimes for his faithfulness, etc. The vote was given with a will. 

Mr. Grimes responded, thanking the association for their confidence. 

Joseph Morrison was introduced as the first Pennvrovalist who went to 
California after the discovery of gold, in 1849. 

He said he was no public speaker, and now he was like the youn^ man 
who couldn't spell in the new house as well as the old; he hadn't got the hang of 
it. He came to this township fifty-two years ago last April. Remained here 
twenty-two years. He used to know everybody in the township; but the 
persons he knew were absent. It is a second generation I see. 
It is related of Horace Greeley that he advised the young man 
to go West and grow up with the country. Better advice then, 
perhaps, than now. I would change that advice a little. I would 
say, be contented, young man; if you have a foothold here, remain; you have 
chances equal to those in the West. 

Hon. Newell Kennon read the following paper on "Reminiscences 

of Fairview:" 

REMINISCENCES OF FAIRVIEW. 

BY JUDGE NEWELL KENNON. 

"A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid, neither do men light a 
candle, and put under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to 
all that are in the house." 

About the year 1812, when the Kingdom of Pennyroyaldom was but 
thinly settled, with only here and there a log cabin occupied by brave and 
intelligent men and women who dared to face all the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to a new settlement, James Gilliland concluded to lay out a 
town on what was called the old Wheeling road, which was then the only 
road of any considerable travel in this region of country le.idiug westward. 
It was not located, as was the "Eternal City of Rome," on seven hills; but 
fifty or sixty lots w. re laid off on one hill on the line of the road, the Main 
street running westward from the Belmont county line, which street is the 
water-shed, the waters on the south of the street emptying into Wills creek, 
and on the north into Stillwater. 

The naming of the town belongs to the venerable Ralph Cowgill, who 
was then an old man, and has long since passed away. Standing with the 
proprietor on a distant hill, he remarked that having a fair view of the 
town, it ought to be called Fairview. The name was at once adopted. 



48 SOUVENIR OF PENNFROy ALDOM. 

Business men soon learned that Fairview, taking into consideration all 
its surroundings, would be a good place to locate, and soon Jesse C. Wier 
and James and Martin Rosemond had houses erected and merchandize in 
sufficient quantities to supply all the region of country round about. 
Mechanics of almost every kind settled here soon after the town was laid 
out and found themselves well patronized — work enough for all. Every- 
thing went, as we would now say, "a booming." 

Among the earliest settlers of the place was John Duncan, a man of 
business. He laid off an addition to the town which is called "Duncan's 
addition," extending Main Street westward. Soon afterward Lemon Ryan 
laid off a third addition, which is known by the name of "Turkey Town." 
Mr. Duncan was a man of education, and an industrious, well-disposed 
citizen in everything. About his first enterprise after laying off an addition 
to Fairview, was to start a wool carding machine, running it by horse 
power on the tramp-wheel principle. His carding the wool saved the 
women of the neighborhood from carding by hand cards. In after years the 
building was struck by lightning and burned to ashes. On the lot on 
which Atherton & Bratton's store-house now stands, Mr. Duncan built ;i 
school-house and taught school in it every winter for a number of years to 
tlie entire satisfaction of the j*?ople. At this early day the town had no 
churches. This school-house was used by all denominations that chose to 
occupy it as a preaching place. From that time until now, Fairview has, 
had good schools, well-taught and well-patronized by the people of the place 
and the surrounding neighborhood, which had a grand effect, not only upon 
the children of Fairview, but the spirit of education having become so deep 
rooted and well grounded among the people that its influence spread forth 
like the branches of the great oak tree over the infant and growing king- 
dom of Pennyroyaldoni, until good schools were everywhere established 
throughout the kingdom. 

About the year 1826 the great National road, commencing at Cum- 
berland, in the state of Maryland, was ready for use through this part of the 
country, being the only thoroughfare on which produce, goods, wares and 
merchandize was conveyed from the Eastern cities to the great West and 
Southwest, and from the West and Southwest to the East. This road 
passing through Fairview, made it a kind of depot for the entire Kingdom 
of Pennyroyaldoni, from which point her tobacco, pork, ginseng, snake 
root, sassafras, wormwood and pennyroyal oils, together with other products 
demanded by the Eastern markets, were gathered in and shipped. The «*« 
road was almost continually occupied by stages, wagons and other convey- 
ances going east and west, all of which contributed to make Fairview a 
business place. 

Major William Breds'iaw moved his tavern house and stabling about 
a quarter of a mile to the place where the beautiful dwelling of William 
Shepherd now stands, where he did a fine business as a tavern-keeper. The 
Major was a splendid man in appearance and always acted the gentleman, 
except when he took a little too much stimulants; then he would talk about 
"my house" and "my town, sir." Then, of course, when he thought he 
owned the town, it was his right to rule it. Matthew Scott, who kept store 
in the house now called "Gardiner's Hall," thought the world was made for 
Csesar, but for Titus, too. He and Bradshaw would dispute about these 
matters, and pitch pound weights and crockeryware at each other across the 
counter, and occasionally pitched awkward enough to hit. Martin Rose- 
mond, a merchant of respectability, entertained the same opinions as Mr. 
Scott, and would teach the Major occasionally that there was a "God in 



SOUVENIR OF PEXNY1WYALD0M. 49 

Israel;" he being an Irishman, would use the shillalah, bringing the blood 
at every tap. 

About <i'2 years ago, in the woods south of Fairview, was seen by all the 
passers-by a speaker's stand something after the fashion of the one we occupy 

to-day, with benches in front sufficient to seat a large audience. This 
place was occupied for preaching by the Reformed Associate Presbyterian 
Church for five or six years by the Rev. Samuel Findley, their chosen 
pastor. In fair weather very large and appreciative audiences would as- 
semble to hear the teachings of the learned doctor. The church increased 
rapidly, large numbers of families settling in the neighborhood who were 
members of that persuasion, besides others joining who had never been 
members of any church. They then built what was called a large and com- 
fortable stone church. The chief architect was a sort of mason — but not a 
Free Mason, or he would have used the plumb, square and level more than 
he did, thus preventing the intolerant law of gravitation from -pushing it 
down in the process of time. It was singularly strange that the architect, 
who had the entire control of the building, would have a jug of whiskey 
placed in the- corner stone as a memento. When the workmen took down 
the building, the jug and whiskey was found in a high state of preservation; 
they drank the whiskey, and 1 don't know what became of the jug. No 
trace of the tent or Stone Church is now to be seen. The church then built 
a large and commodious frame building at the western end of Fairview, 
which is now occupied by the United Presbyterians, with Rev. I. N. White 
as their pastor. Mr. White is a diligent student, arranges and delivers his 
sermons well, and is respected by all who know him. 

About sixty-four years ago Rev. Dr. Rea, father of Dr. F. Rea, of 
Washington, came over from Harrison county to hold the first sacrament for 
the Preybyterians in Fairview. Having no church and the day being wet, 
they occupied a large stable that had never been used, built for a tavern 
stable by Mr. Hughes, on the lot now owned by David Henderson. I was 
then a mere boy; but will always remember while the learned Doctor 
was handling the bread and the wine, the touching illusion he made to the 
place where the Infant Babe of Bethlehem was born, whose death they 
were commemorating. Soon after this they built a brick church on the lot 
now owned by Rev. I. N. White, not a vestige of which remains at the 
present day. After leaving this house they put up a subsubstantial frame 
building at the east end of Fairview, occupying it for years, until from 
deaths, removals and other causes the congregation became so small that 
they were unable to support their preacher. The church was then sold to 
the Methodist Protestants, who repaired and refitted up the house in good 
style, and now occupy it, having a fair congregation, with Rev. R. A. Low- 
ther as their pastor, who is a very acceptable preacher. 

Over sixty-four years have passed away since five members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, formed into a class, held their meetings in a 
house where John Morton now lives. The society increased rapidly in 
numbers. They built what was then called a good brick church. Being 
built ol bad material and the workmanship not being of the highest order, 
the building became dangerous and had to be torn down. Their present 
church stands on the ^p>t where the old one stood, with the Rev. J. H. 
Hollister as their pastor, who is a man that is governed by his own thoughts 
and is a good sermonizer. 

For near seventy years the pulpits of Fairview have been filled by a 



50 SO UVENIR OF PENNY R YA LD OM. 

faithful and intelligent ministry — men who felt the responsibility of the 
place they occupied — felt their mission to be to publish "Glad tidings of 
peace" to the people and teach them in their great doctrines of Christianity. 
It was mostly to the teachings of this ministry and the schoolmaster which 
pointed the minds of so many ot our young Pennyroyalists in the right 
direction that they went forth to fight the battles of life with a lighted can- 
dle in their hand, and have still kept it burning, giving light to all that are 
in the house. Some of them are here to-day to renew their vows of friend- 
ship with their former associates; others are not here, but send their con- 
gratulations in song and in poetry. 

W. S. Heade read a paper by J. D. Henry, Esq., of Cincinnati, on Pen- 
nyroyal Lawyers. 

PENNYROYAL LAWYERS. 

BY JAS. D. HENRY. 

I know not the number embraced in the title, and have but little 
knowledge of their renown. Those who survive and pursue theircalling on 
their "native heath," need no endorsement to place them among your best 

fmblic-spirited citizens. Those who have migrated to other fields, doubt- 
ess can stand an equal test of full inquiry, and have not forfeited their 
Pennyroyal birthright nor tarnished their inherited good names. But this ' 
theme is broader than the local issue, for the Pennvroval members are but a 
sample of the fraternity — a fraternity whose influence can be traced, nay, is 
prominent in the history of the progression, development and civilization of 
the human race. 

There has been a fashion of speaking flippantly of the honor and 
honesty of the profession; but this fashion has been adopted and followed 
by those who have but seldom, if ever, had cause in which they desired the 
services ot honorable lawyers. It there have been, and still are, rogues of 
lawyers, it is because there have been, and still are, rogues of clients with 
roguish causes and roguish defenses, and it is but another instance of the 
supply following the demand — a rule which obtains and controls in so 
so much of human affairs. But the same sentiment and lack of knowledge 
and reason which condemn the whole profession because of a few perverted 
examples, also berates the profession of medicine because of a few quack 
doctors and denounces the ministry because a few villians have masked 
themselves in sacerdotal robes. 

It is not the attorneys who give the testimony, whether true or false, in 
a cause, but the clients and their witnesses; and any attorney of experience 
can tell you truly that a majority of clients are too ready to paint their own 
cause in roseate hues of rightand draw their opponents in shadows of falsehood 
and wrong-. And the nnst difficult task is that of discovering; the truth ot 
the testimony in a cause; and if, at times, justice is perverted and the cause 
of right delayed, it is only by aid and connivance of that distinguished body 
of your fellow-citizens, "the intelligent and impartial jury," and with the 
consent of "the Honorable Court." 

But it is largely outside of the court-room that the wide and beneficial 
influences of the profession is felt. The doctor treats his patient without re- 
straint and free from unfriendly comment, except of the neighborhood gos- 
sip, and ministers select their own texts and discourse at their own sweet 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 51 

wills, so long as within the bounds of their own church dogmas and the 
limits of their own church creeds; but not so with lawyers. The causes they 
must present and discuss are previously made by the acts of the parties, sub- 
ject to the laws of the land, and those causes they must present in the pres- 
ence of alert opponents and subject to the decision of the final arbiter, the 
court. And so, of necessity, the profession became liberal minded — liberal 
minded enough to recognize the fact that questions have two sides, and that 
others have rights, and a study of the history of jurisprudence is but a 
Study of the development of human rights from a state of barbarism up 
through many varying stages to the height of constitutional government, 
founded on individual right, freedom of thought and liberty of conscience, 
and through all these progressive changes, the rights of man, the cause of 
human development, whether discussed on the stump, in the court room, in 
legislative halls, in the courts of kings, or on the battle-field,, have found 
their staunchest friends and strongest advocates in members of the bar. And 
notwithstanding all carping criticism, the profession may point with pride 
to the monument History erects to their predecessors, for lawyers have 
written and upheld the charters of freedom for the world. 

The subject appointed to \V. S. Heade, was "Pennyroyal Lawyers." 
He spoke as follows: 

As I grasp the hands of friends I have not met for years, I think, "can 
it be true that there is any neeessity for the avocation of the lawyer?" But 
when we consider the various relations of men, producing so many relations 
in life, we find it does become necessary to have some system of jurispru- 
dence. Wherever we find courts, we find attorneys necessary, not only to 
assist clients, but to assist the court. I refute the charge that the profes- 
sion of attorney is not as honorable as other avocations. Because some 
members of the bar are dishonorable, is no reason for the condemnation of 
the entire profession. You might as well condemn Christianity because a 
man may creep into the pulpit and steal the livery of heaven to serve the 
devil in. 

Mr. Heade continued his remarks at some length, and, after music by the 
band, was followed by T. W. Ogier, who delivered an address on "Penny- 
royal Editors." 

D. D. Taylor came next. His speech was of historical value. Once 
upon a time, he said, thirty-three years or more ago, there were before the 
Ohio Legislature, bills proposing to erect several new counties in Ohio. 
One of those proposed was Cumberland county, with county seat at Fair- 
view. Henry Duulap, now of the Government Printing office at Washing- 
ton, and Col. James Taylor, now also in the government employ, came to 
Fairview at that time and started newspapers. Dunlap's paper was called 
the Independent Buckeye, and Taylor's the Cumberland County Gazette. 
These men were the original Pennyroyal editors. There are here upon this 
occasion Pennyroyal editors to the third generation. The first lady editor 
from Pennyroyaldom was Mrs. Mattie McClelland Brown, who was the first 
lady editor of a secular paper in this country. The chairmam of the Pro- 
gramme committee, when this programme was being formed, said that about 
this time of day we would want something funny. I haven't been in a very 
funny mood to-day. Since I was here last some young faces have grown 
old, and some middle aged have grown older, and some of the old have 



52 SO V VEN1R OF PENNYROi ALDOM. 

passed away. These trees, these stones, as well as these faces, tell me tales 
of the past. They tell me of the loved ones of the loug ago, and I have not 
been funny to-day. Tears have fallen from my eyes as they havetrom yours. 
But why be sad".' The past lies behind us, the future before. 
Hon. \V. N. Cowden sent the following paper. 

PENNYROYAL FARMERS. 

Ladies and gentlemen of Pennyroyaldom: — One year ago by your 
courtesy, I was permitted to appear on this platform and make what some 
might call a "sectarian" speech, but this year the subject you assign me is 
catholic, and will not be to one Pen.iyrovalist of Oxford township, but to all 
the farmers of the township. If I had been permitted to make my own 
choice of a subject, I could not have chosen a more congenial one than the 
one you have assigned me; but had I choice of my time, I would be present 
at the Reunion to say "my piece" and enjoy the festivities of the occasion, 
instead of being away out here preparing for the holding of the greatest fair 
west of the Allegheny mountain?. 

You have asked m> to talk about a class with whom I have long been 
familiar. My earliest and most vivid recollections, aside from home and its 
associations, are of weekly journeys across Oxtord township to the "Old 
Stone Church," and almost every day of my life, I have been in sight of it. 

But what can we say of Pennyroyal farmers? 

1st. They are an industrious class of men. "They rise up early and 
sit up late and eat the bread of carefulness." They are seldom seen at the 
"corner grocery," and have no time to sit on the store-box to hear the 
latest news from "Stump-town, or to listen to the recital of the latest gos- 
sip about the beaux of farmer B. And as for the "greatest shows" and the 
"fat women" and the "big snakes," time is too precious to be thus spent. 

2d. The Pennyroyal Fanner is a careful man. He is careful of the 
soil he cultivates. Careful to apply the right kind of manure at the right 
time and in the right quantity. Careful, too, of the tools with which he cul- 
tivates his soil. His plows and harrows and wagons and machines are 
never seen standing in the suns of summer or rains and snows of winter. 
His stock in winter, instead of finding sh slter on the the sunny side of the 
mullein stalk, are carefully and cosily sheltered like himself. 

3d. The Pennyroyal Farmer is an intelligent man. The very soil he 
cultivates compels him to farm intelligently, otherwise he will get no re- 
turn for his labor. The Great Husbandman has not given you a soil that 
will, like the rich prairies of the West, produce a harvest with any kind of 
cultivation. Here among the hills we have to study, think, experiment, 
read, analyze and observe, and before we know it, and in spite of ourselves, 
we have acquired a large amount of knowledge. Hence it is that the ma- 
jority of leading men in the world of thought in this and all other countries 
have come from the hills. These intelligent men of course, married in- 
telligent wives, who bore them intelligent sons in too great numbers for the 
paternal acres, and hence it is that Oxford township has produced more 
lawyers, teachers, doctors and preachers to the square acre than any other 
township in Ohio. 

4th. The Pennyroyal Farmer is honest. He dare not cheat his soil, 
else he soon learns it will give him no return. He learns, too, it will not 
pay to cheat his neighbor. The Pennyroyal Fanner is too honest to take 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 53 

thewrongside of a case and defend a man he knows to be guilty, or cheat 
the gallows out of its dues. The Pennyroyal Farmer when he goes to the 
Legislature (and many ofthem have gone to the Legislature of this and 
otherStates, more of them will go, and still more arc competent to go). 
I say when the Pennyroyal Farmer goes to the Legislature, he does oot 
make laws that it takes a learned judge and two or three Philadelphia law- 
yers to understand. The Pennyroyal Fanner is too honest to pay one 
hundred cents for a long, dry sermon not worth 1-A cents. The Penny- 
royal Farmer never prescribes < 1 < n i l:' 1 1 pills to cure imaginary ills, nor gives 
medicine to make another sick, in order to "to run a liill" on a good custo- 
mer; nor does he ever turn ghoul ami rob your graveyards and cemeteries. 
With him a yard is just 36 inches, and he never waters his sugar. He is tun 
honest for the three-card-monte man. and he never takes eggs to market 
that have been "-it on" more than one week. 

5th. The Pennyroyal Farmer is a successful man. The former who, 
<m a small farm of comparatively thin soil, rears ami educates and clothes a 
large family, ami gives them a place id' respectability and influence in the 
world, pays his share to the support of church and state and pushes forward 
all public and benevolent enterprises and accumulates something besides, 
such a man is the very farthest remove from a failure. With a tolerably 
extensive knowledge of the farmers of the State, I assert that it' the above 
is a correct standard <<t success, some of the farmers of Pennyroyaldom 
have succeeded beyond all others. I do not mean that every individual 
farmer has thus been successful; hut that the great majority have thus suc- 
ceeded. By success I do not mean the mere ability to acquire wealth, for 
this kind of success is often given to tools and the meanest kind of men; hut 
by success in farming I mean a wise and judicious cultivation of the soil, 
the use of the best seeds and tools, the proper rotation and selection of crops 
and manure, anil the use oi the hest breeds of stock and the intelligent care 
given to them; hut more than all this and far above all this, the successful 
farmer cultivates himself and his family and his home. He develops all the 
capabilities and possibilities of the man. He makes his home the very 
Eden ofbliss — the center where domestic bliss and rural joy meet and com- 
mingle, and from whence these, the prophecy and foretaste of other and 
higher joys, go out to gladden and bless the world. 

The report of the treasurer was read and adopted. 

On motion of R. B. Buchanan a committee of three was appointed to 
confer in regard to originating and adopting a design for a Pennyroyal flag 
A motion to appoint a committee on badges was also adopted. The Chair- 
man appointed the following gentlemen to serve on both committes: R. B. 
Buchanan, John Scott, John C. Beckett. 

Col. Jake Kemple entertained the people. 

The exercises were concluded by a benediction, pronounced by Rev, 
D. A. McClenahan, hut the people still lingered, and shook hands and 
talked, and the sliadows cast by the brave old oaks were growing long, be- 
fore the grove was deserted and the Mecca of Pennyroyaldom was left to its 
prestine stillness. 



Sghybrir 0R PBRRY'ReroLDorn. 



FOURTH REUNION, 
FIRST DAY. 

Por davs preceding the forth annual festival of Oxford township, pil- 
grims trom far distant states as well as from other townships and other 1 

countit sof thisstate, could be seen wendingtheir way toward.- the Penny- 
royal Mecca. The beautiful grove of majestic oaks adjoining Center school 
house had been prepared by the indefatigable labors of the committee for the 
reception and elegant entertainment of a larger crowd than had ever hereto- 
fore hern presentata Reunion, and the attendance fully equalled the most 
sanguine expectations. 

( >u Wednesday, the first day of the feast, more strangers were present 
than at the opening of any preceding reunion. The Quaker City Band was 
present, and, at intervals, enlivened the exercises with some fine music. 
At 11 o'clock a. m., Vice-President, Hon. Joseph Fcrrell, gave the signal 
for the opening of the exercise.-, and called upon Rev. John Abies to Lead 
in prayer, after which Mr. Fcrrell delivered a neat address of welcome. 
giving a number of pioneer incidents, and referring in feeling terms to the 
recent death of Bethuel Abies, the first white child born in the township. 

Upon request, Rev. John Able-, probably the second male child born 
in the township, made some interesting remarks. Arecess was then taken 

for dinner. 

AFTERNOON. 

After music by the Quaker City band John Kirkpatrick, president of 

the association, made his introductory address. He reported that all the 

financial obligations of the society had been met, and its attains were 

generally in a healthy and satisfactory condition. He recommended that 

some suitable provision be made for the record and preservation of such 

historic incidents as might be brought out by these reunion meetings of 

pioneer Pennyroyalists who are fast passing oft" the stage of action. 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 55 

Capt. W. M. Farrar followed with some valuable historical remarks. 

He said he was not an original Pennyroyaler, not having been so for- 
tunate as tn l>c born upon this productive soil, but having been born some- 
where else he iliil the nrxt best thing he could and came t< > Pennyroyal for 
a wife. The old pioneers as had been said by the President are passing 
away and every year some one is reported no more. Tlii.s time it is 
Betliut-I Abies whose plain speech told in his own plain way three years ago 
will be remembered by many now present; how he made a long trip during 
very rough weather away over into Belmont county to get some grinding 
done to feed mother and the children and would have perished with cold 
but for the kindness of James Gilliland whom he remembered .so grate- 
fully; of his amusing race from the Pennyroyal spring where he stepped 
with with his barefoot upon a snake and in his fright ran to the house; and 
this fact ought to show the necessity of gathering up and preserving in .some 
more permanent form such old recollections as become more precious as the 
years go by. 

That it would now be interesting to know how Oxford township got 
its name, a fact which he believed could not be determined. That it was 
organized on the 23d day of April, 1810, at the very first Board of Com- 
missioners ever held in Guernsey county — James Dillon, Win. Dement and 
Absalom Martin, being present and in session, as their journal shows, made 
the following orders: Ordered, "that this county be divided into five dis- 
tinct townships, towit: Oxford, Seneca, Wills, Cambridge and Westland. Thus 
although Oxford was the first township named in the county, it is the only 
name for which we are unable to account, all the others take their names 
either from well known persons or places in history or their particular loca- 
tion. That he held in his hand a copy of the map of the township as it 
was in 1816, which showed the Zane trace; as it passed through sections 1, 7, 
1^, 18, 23, 24, -!<i, 30, 35 and 36, only a blaze through the woods, going 
straight up one hill and just as straight down another. It was impracti- 
cable tor wagons ami when emigration began to find its way still further 
west it became modified into what was afterwards known as the old Wheel- 
ing road. In 1800 only three years after it was opened, there were but six 
stations along this Zane trace between Wheeling and Zanesville, one, which 
was called "Brandy Camp," was on section 23 of this township near where 
Mr. Stage imw lives, but for what reason so called is not known. 

Miss Mary A. Henderson, representing the young ladies of Pennyroy- 
aldoni, read the following essay, which was listened to throughout with 
attention, and warmly applauded at the close. 

the pro<;i:kss OF THE WOULD AND OUR INFLUENCE IN IT. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : Another year has rolled away, 
and we are again assembled in the beautiful domain of Old Pennvrovaldom, 
enjoying the festivities of this pleasant occasion. May these occasions be 
long lived, and each returning year be fraught with new and varied pleas- 
ures. But a few years since, and Old Pennvrovaldom was unknown to 
fame, but now that she has made such strides in advancement her name will 
be handed down with honor to posterity. This beautiful day when the sun 
shines forth in all his glory, we have met for the purpose of friendly inter- 



56 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

coarse. We do not have works of nature and art to exhibit, bat around us 
cling pleasant memories, old friendships arc renewed and friends long separ- 
ated arc brought together. 

That the world is progressing in science and art no one will attempt to 
deny. The impress of progress is stamped alike on things both human and 
angelic. All creation must obey its mandates or succumb to the inexorable 
law of decay. Nations must heed its warning voice or be -wept into obliv- 
ion. Individuals must follow in its pathway or sink beneath the power of 
its opposing arm. When the Omnipotent hand placed man in the Garden 
of Eden, "onward" was written indelibly on his forehead, lie was to go 
forth to the conquest of the world, and time attests how well he has succeded. 
Eighteen hundred years have passed away since a new era in the history of 
the world began. Cities have been leveled to the ground; nations humbled 
to the dust ; empires swept away and continents despoiled by the hand of 
tic; ruthless invader. Yet these changes, these lapse of ages, these terrible 
despoilations have only served to brighten the helmet of advancing civili- 
zation. Adorning the bright pages of science arc the three noble achieve- 
ments of the nineteenth century. Astronomy is daily unfolding fresh 
marvels to the eye of its votary. The wonders id' the starry firmament hid 
hiin behold the glories of other world- than ours. Geology is opening to 
our view the mysteries long hidden by the veils of ignorance. Chemistry 
is bequeathing t<> the human race the rich Legacies of science. Botany is 
directing our gaze to the mysterious labyrinths of the the vegetable king- 
dom and philosophy pointing us to the road that leads to case and comfort. 
In art, the colossal statues of ancient Greece and Rome arc being surpassed 
by the monuments that now adorn the last resting place of many of earth's 
noblest sons. But turn from these fields of literature, science and art and 
behold the towering form of Christianity. Before the mighty power of her 
arms pagan gods and heathenism must he swept into the gulfs of oblivion 
and civilization and religion triumph over the powers of darkness. Four 
centuries ago America was a howling wilderness. The red man trod these 
hills with all the dignity and freedom of a monarch, and wild beasts had 
their haunts where temples now rear aloft their proud and stately steeples. 
In 177ii when independence was declared 13 stars were written on the 
national emblem and now we have 38, almost treble the number. It is 
readily seen that this is a progressive age ; hut we have one great barrier 
with which we have to contend and which, if not surmounted, will retard 
the progress of this republic, and that great harrier is intemperance. Is 
there no stop, no stay for this evil'.' Must we watch fathers, brothers, and 
must I say sisters sink daily and hourly in wretchedness and crime, and 
not reach forth our hand to assist them in their downward career? Per- 
haps some may he astonished to hear the word sisters used in this connec- 
tion; but it is true nevertheless. But recently was enacted in your neigh- 
boring state a tragedy, the blood of which has hardly cooled, if at all, and 
the sole cause was the love of intoxicants by a woman, and a woman not of 
degradation but of the elite of the state. It is true that much has been 
done and is doing to impede the spread of intemperance. The Scott law is, 
in itself, good as far as it goes; but does high license and taxation prevent 
the direful crimes that must exist so long as whiskey can be gotten at so 
many thousands of places? But now that such important questions as are 
before the voters of to-day, and election so near at hand we hope the true 
man, regardless of party politics, will use his influence for God, for human- 



SOUVENIR OF PENXVR01 ALbOM. 57 

ity and for the safety of the nation. But we fear so important a question 
and one so detrimental to all good if not settled properly can be settled in 
so short a time ; and we fear that woman will have to assert her rights be- 
fore this great evil can l>e put down. But we are not here to advocate 
■woman's rights, neither do we wish it ; but of the greater of two evil- we 
will choose the less. 

Can we endure to see the nobility of the land, the brilliant minds swept 
into eternal darkness and then have the remor.se of conscience, knowing 
that we permited such evils to exist; 60,000 filling drunkards' graves an- 
nually. What a vast army to confront ; and will not their blood be upon 
us'.' We have given the .saloon keeper permission to deal out the deadly 
poison to whomsoever he will; and they have not the stamina to resist the 
fatal influence of the enchanting cup. Oh ! that they would hearken to the 
words of Solomon, when he says: "Look not on the wine when it is red; 
for at last it stingeth like an adder and biteth like a serpent." But what 
will become of those who deal out this deadly poison? John B. Gough 
says of him: "Father in heaven if it be thy will that men shall suffer, 
whatever seemeth good in thy sight of temporal evils impose it on me ; take 
from me the friends of my old age; let the bread of affliction be given me 
to eat ; let the wasting hand of disease be laid upon me; when I speak let 
evil come upon me; do all this, but save me, O merciful God, save me from 
the grave of a drunkard. And yet when 1 answer to thee in the day of 
judgment, I had rather be the veriest sot that ever releed through the 
streets than I would be the man who sold him his liquor." We all exert 
an influence. No man is so insignificant but what he exerts an influence 
over some one. And our influence does not cease to exist when we have 
shuffled off this coil of mortality. Shakespeare, Milton, and Martin Luther, 
though they lived hundreds of years ago, exert an influence to-day. The 
works of Tom Payne and Bob Ingersoll will have their contaminating 
effects long after their bones have returned to their original dust. Shakes- 
peare says, "The evil man does live after him, the good is oft interred 
with his bones." How important then that our influence be not evil. The 
grandest works of art will crumble into dust and be forgotten ; the proudest 
nation whose conquering eagles have defied continents will pass away, the 
brightest stars of heaven will fade, but our influence exerted aright will 
live on and on through countless ages of eternity. 

Mrs. Maria M. Ridgeway was introduced, and made a neat little address 
that was well received by all. 

The Committee appointed for that purpose had prepared a design for a 
Pennyroyal flag. This design was exhibited to the Association by tne Pres- 
ident, after which J.O.Grimes was introduced and spoke as follows: 

I supposed I would be called on to respond on the presentation of a 

Pennyroyal flag here to-day, but then I learned a few days ago that the 
committee on flag had not even fully determined on the design of the flag, 
and so I made no preparation to address you on the subject. Yet you say, 
Mr. President, I must go on and make a "flag speech," supposing all the 
time, in an imaginary way that a Pennyroyal flag has been presented to the 
realm of Pennyroyaidom. Now under this kind of in-pi- 
ration I shall proceed. All civilized nations have flags. 
Our country's flag we all respect and obey. It represents its 



58 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

sovereignty and is a symbol or sign to us that the authority it represents in- 
still maintained. If this region of Pennyroyal should ever have a Hay; it 
could only be the rallying point under wfaich we meet and show forth our 
respect for each other "and the rest of mankind." And while it is true that 
the flag of the United States lias been baptised in the blood of many good 
and patriotic men, and that it calls forth our most enthusiastic affection, 
hope and pride, yet in this vicinity pennyroyal and these reunions inspire 
us with joy, and perpetuate from year to year memory of the past and joy- 
ful hope for the future. But we have had noJPennyroyal flag : for four years 
we have been prosperously swimming along without any flag, other than that 
flag of our country. The people have met together yearly in large masses 
in their two days' meetings in perfect freedom, with none to molest or make 
afraid, and no more intelligent or orderly people meet anywhere ; all this 
heretofore occurred under a little herb called pennyroyal. Yet this is not 
strange, for it was some time after the declaration of independence of this 
country, and after the defeat of our revolutionary ancestors on Long Island 
and their distressing retreat in bare and bloody feet through Jersey and 
across the Delaware, and after the decisive blow given the British army by 
Washington and his army at Trenton and Princeton, confounded the enemy 
and drove them back in dismay, after all this in May or June, 17.X7, a com- 
mittee of the Continental Congress and General Washington adopted the 
design of our Nation's flag; but then a woman had a hand in that flag also; 
the committee called on Mrs. Ross, of the city of Philadelphia, to make the 
flag and in their design had six points to the stars. Mrs. Boss suggested 
that five points to the stars would be more pleasing to the eye, and then cut 
out a pattern of a star with five points, which was adopted ; and the women 
have ever since helped to uphold and sustain that flag, at home and on the 
battle field helping and attending to the wounded and dying soldiers. 

Mr. Grimes continued at considerable length, telling some very amus- 
ing and pointed anecdotes. 

At the conclusion of his remarks Hon. L. W. Borton, of Clyde, Kan- 
sas, member of the Kansas Legislature, was introduced by the President,, 
and made an excellent address, although he said he had not prepared, nor 
did he intend to make a set speech. He desired only to pay his respects 
to the friends of his youth, after an absence of twenty-seven years. 

The President next introduced William Stewart, of Fairfield county, a 
venerable gentleman, who had been absent from Pennyroyal township for 
half a century. After Mr. Stewart had made a few remarks, Col. J. D. 
Taylor was called to the front, and made an appeal in behalf of education, 
and urged the young people to take every advantage of their opportunities. 

The day's exercises closed with a short speech by Col. Jacob Kemple. 

SECOND DAY. 

After the people had been gathered near the speakers' stand by the excel- 
lent music of the Quaker City Band, the day's exercises were opened with 
prayer led by Rev. John Abies. 

President Kirkpatrick announced that a business meeting would be- 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 59 

held. Hon. Newell Kennon, treasurer of the reunion association, reported 
that he had -received from all sources during the pasl year the sum of $93.90 
and had disbursed the sum of $93.90, for which he held the proper vouch- 
ers. ( )n motion of W. S. Heade the report was received and approved. 

"Recitations and Essays by the young people," being the nexl feature 
down on the programme, Mr. ( '. E. Berry,a promising young man, was call-* 
ed to the front, and responded as follows: 

I must confess 1 am embarrassed, because the idea is prevalent thai 
this part of the exercises belongs exclusively to older heads — to persons of 
greater years and experience. But this idea has begun to lose ground, and 
the young Pennyroyalists are being recognized. I am here as a sort of sub- 
stitute, and feel like the school boy who has come to his class with a had 
lesson. My associate has been away from home, and has been unable to 
co-operate with me in this exercise, and I feel a delicacy in addressing an 
audience under these circumstances. I am like the boy in the College lit- 
erary society, who arose to make a speech, and said: "Mr. President when 
in the woods to-day I thought I could make a big speech. Now, that I am 
here, my spirits have gone down 140 degrees below freeze" I am inclined 
to think that nothing less than a debate between Boh lugersoll and Rev. 
Talmage could hold this audience. At least it would require something 
like a Wisconsin celebration of the Fourth of July — wheel-harrow races, 
catching a greased hog, etc. 

This reunion brings prominently before us the subject of education. In 
witness of these facts, I point to these fathers and mothers, who under ad- 
verse circumstances labored for schools and churches in the early days of 
the settlement. We who belong to a more recent generation may learn a 
valuable lesson from their experience. We know nothing of old log hous. s, 
slab seats, or greased paper windows, hut can learn lessons from the exper- 
ience of our fathers and elder brothers, many of whom are now holding 
positions of honor in the world. Their success is easily accounted for. A 
ray of light came down through those greased paper windows, that awaken- 
ed a spark of intelligence that has never been quenched but is burning brightly 
to-day. 

These fathers and mothers will soon pass away, and no towering mon- 
uments will need be erected to their memories. But in the hearts of Pen- 
nyroyaldom they will be enshrined in love and honor, and fondly recollect- 
ed for their perseverance and self-sacrifice. When we look back over the 
past, and see what was wrought by these forefathers of our's we are remind- 
ed of what the poet said : 

"Lives of great men all remind us 
We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time. " 

In conclusion I would mention the Pennyroyal Reunion as a great edu- 
cational factor. We are educating the social part of our natures. And 
what a grand thing this social education is ! We meet together, take one 
another by the hands, renew old friendships and make ourselves happier 
and better men and women. 

The election of officers was next in order. On motion of J. A. Bu- 



60 SOUVENIR OF PENNY ROY ALDOM. 

chanan a committee of five was appointed to select and report at two o'clock 
the names of officers for the ensuing year. The following persons were 
appointed as said committee : W. S. Heade, Thomas Smith, Newell Keunon, 
Jonathan Rose, John Wherry. 

A letter from Hon. Henry Keunon, of Princeton, Illinois, was read 
by Secretary Heade. 

J. A. Buchanan, of New Philadelphia, was called upon for some re- 
marks. He spoke as follows : 

It is a surprise to me to be called to say anything to-day. But since 
the President has seen fit to announce my name, it is proper that I should 
say something, difficult as it is to say anything new. As I was coming to 
this reunion I thought of the friends of my childhood, the friends that I 
expected to meet,to recount old scenes and incidents in life. Another thought 
entered my mind. All nationalties reverence the place of their birth, the place 
of their childhood. Whether in foreign or native land they talk of home. 
You have observed the foreigner, probably many years removed from the 
land of his nativity, yet speaking in endearing tones of his mother country 
or fatherland. It has been the habit of people of all nations from time 
immemorial to come together as we people come together to-day, and pay 
respect to their birthplace, renew old associations and live over again the 
scenes id' their youth. Another thought that struck me forcibly was that 
we come together on a common level. The doctrine that all men are born 
free and equal is no better exemplified than in these reunions. We take 
each other by the hand and treat all as occupying the same plane of society. 
The only difference in our lives is that some rise to higher positions in the 
transient favor of the people, and others remain comparatively stationary. 
Yet we all come from a common ancestry, and what differences exist are acciden- 
tal and local. But here we know no difference. All come together as a 
common people, with common interests and a common welfare. The world 
is better, society is better from these reunions, where we remember home 
and meet the neighbors and friends of our youth. I won't detain you longer, 
as other speakers are to be heard. 

Josiah Davis was introduced by the President as being known in 
Washington county, where he now resides, as "Pennyroyal DavU." xMr. 
Davis advanced to the platform amidst cheers, and said : 

I came here in early days. Knew well Uncle Billy Borton and 
Bethuel Abies. I recollect the last time I saw Uncle Billy. It was down 
near Middletown. He took me by the hand, and, with tears in his eyes 
said : ''We will soon meet above." Now about pennyroyal. I have made 
a good deal of pennyroyal oil. When I first began to make it in Washing- 
ton county the people did not know what it was. One man wanted pay 
from me for the use his of horses in grinding pennyroyal. Some wanted to 
buy it to drink, thinking it was some new kind of lightning or fire-water. A 
man named Abies came there and made some, and we were called "Penny- 
royal"-— old Pennyroyal and young Pennyroyal. 

Mr. Davis told several anecdotes, and closed with a temperance ap- 
peal. 

The President aunounced that there were present four members ot the 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. ill 

legislatures of different states. He had the pleasure of introducing one ol 
them, Hon. N, B. Scott, of Wheeling, West Virginia. 

Mr. Scott said he was glad, alter making many efforts to attend, that 
he was present to-day at the Pennyroyal Reunion. As the pennyroyal sub- 
ject lias been gone over pretty thoroughly, I will devote a few minutes to 
the discussion of some t j i < • t -■ in regard to success in business. I know this 
may smack a little of egotism, as it will be necessary to give my own ex- 
perience. But I know you will pardon me. I left here when eight years 
of age, beingthrown thus early upon my own resources, ami my observa- 
tion ami experience has taught me some truths that I believe will he valu- 
able to the young here to-dav. The young man who starts out in lite with 
the rule only to he present in the morning in time to keep from being 
(locked will never succeed. It is the same with the young lady. It is only 
the young man or young woman who works hard and conscientiously thai 
succeeds. I have noticed in my business that the boy who comes early to 
work, who never loiters, who looks carefully after the interests of his em- 
ployer, always succeeds. You can't keep him down. But the boy that 
is ten minutes late, who is now off a day, who quits work as soon as the bell 
rines, who is always shirising work, will never succeed. Application is the 
great thing. I don't care what a boy works at — if he only keeps a peanut 
stand — let him keep the best. If it was not for competition, there would 
be didl lawyers, dull doctors, dullness everywhere. It is the live and eiier- 
g< tic that push to the front in the battle of life, wherever your lot may be 
thrown, or whatever that lot may be. Sometimes in rural districts the 
young people become discontented. They think their's is a plodding, 
monotonous lite. They read of great things accomplished in other places, 
and they sigh for a wider field and greater opportunities. In this connec- 
tion I often think of a story told by my friend Borton when 1 was a small boy. 
A firmer concluded to go into the sheep business, and bought a ewe. In a 
few days the ewe had twin lambs, and he pictured to Mary, his wife, in 
glowing colors, the prospects of a fortune which he could see in the near 
future. In a few days, however, he found one of the lambs dead. But he 
wasn't discouraged ; he told Mary that he was glad of it — that the other one 
would do much better now. Again in a few days he found the second one 
dead. He told Mary that this was just the right thing — the ewe would do 
so much better now and her fleece would be so much heavier. However, 
in a day or two, he found the ewe lying dead in the Held. He told Mary he 
was perfectly delighted : glad that the old thing was dead; feed was scarce, 
there was going to be a hard winter, and they were better to be rid of it. 
There is a useful lesson in this anecdote for old as well as young. Make 
the best of your circumstances j always look on the bright side, and with 
care and diligence you will succeed anywhere. Your President has referred to 
the fact that four members of state legislatures are present to-day, and I 
would say one word in regard to politicians. Polities remind me of the 
attempt of a man to climb a greased pole. It is a slippery business. My 
advice to any young man who thinks he would like politics is, you had bet- 
ter stay on the farm. Politics is athankless business. These reunions are 
good things. In our every day life we have competitions, rivalries in busi- 
U€ S3, sometimes sorrow and heartburnings. But here we leave them all 
behind, shake hands and meet on a common level, forgetting the cares and 



62 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

rivalries of business and living t< >r one day as sensible beings, in friendship 
with all the world. 

W. S. Heade was called to the front and spoke a> follows: 
1 have about come to the conclusion, after having made four visits to 
IVnin rovaldoni, that it is fortunate to come in contact with great men, and 
also fortunate to have been horn in Pennyroyal township. I am fully con- 
vinced that when I came in contact with a rod in the hands of my Bister's 
mother, I was taught a valuable lesson. I recollect vividly that when I 
traveled between our house and the school house that mother frequently 
encouraged me on the way, and one time led me clear to the door. I shall 
never forget my old friend Armstrong who talked so encouragingly to me, 
after which my mother said she never had any more trouble with me. 
Soon after that I came in contact with another rod in the hands of friend 
Borton. I don't think I got a lick amiss — unless he missed me. The 
school had been dismissed, and i tried to get out of the door by climbing 
over the other boys' backs. I was brought to the knowledge of the rules 
by feeling a rod on my back. Ever since that time I have thought there 
was something in contact; and now when we come into contact with Con- 
gressmen, legislators. and other great men, we think that we, too, may reach 
some of those prominent positions. Every man in Pennyroyaldom should 
have a lightning rod erected. Since last fall we have been honored by the 
election of a live Congressman ; another Pennyroyalist to my personal 
knowledge came within a few votes of being your State Senator, another 
came as near being nominated for Judge ; and another just over our borders 
has been elected President — of the State fair. Go where you will you will 
find people from this township. Go to New York City, and you will find 
Rev. David Mc( 'lenahan preaching the gospel. Go to the land of the Pharaoh's 
and you will find the daughter of James McClenahan. There are Henry 
and Morton in Cincinnati, Gardner in Los Angeles. I could enumerate 
hundreds scattered over the world who are doing justice to themselves, and 
honor to their pennyroyal birthplace. But while we speak of these men, 
let us not forget the mothers, who for three times 365 in a year have pre- 
pared our meals, looked after our clothing, and kept our homes in order ; 
they deserve all praise, as well as the sisters, who, with hearts full of grati- 
tude and love have gone forth to strengthen and comfort us. I was struck 
with the remark of Mr. Scott, "whatever may be your avocation, do it 
well." I was also struck with the remark of our Congressman, "whatever 
is vour avocation in life, you must have energy." Unless you have energy 
and perseverance you will never succeed. Constant vigilance i> necessary. 
And here I will say that, perhaps, there is no township in Guernsey county 
where so many persons have succeeded in life. This is not due to greater 
intellect; but in the early days the fires of education were lighted here, and 
kept burning more brightly than in most communities. It i- because the 
love of education was instilled here that our young men have attained such 
high and honorable positions. 1 remember when this school was almost :i 
college — when it was called Center College, and pupils came to it from 
all tile region round. The lady who sent the dispatch to you yesterday, 
came (piite a distance to attend. The subject of an education was an ambi- 
tion with me when a boy — it goaded me on. I did not want to lie surpass- 
ed by my associates. I have in my possession an old card of recitations for 
five months, and every recitation is marked "5" — perfect — except one, 



SOUVENIR OF PENXYR01ALDOM. 



03 



which is "4." I didn't care so much tor education, but it was ambition n<>t 
tn be excelled. Remember my father said he could not leave me anything but 
an education. Bui that education has been worth inure to me than :i farm, 
There is a time in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to 
prosperity. Be prepared to take advantage of that time. Whatever posi- 
tion in life we occupy, let us make the most of it. Education assists the 
tanner in doing his work better and in doing his work better he is educa- 
ting himself. Whatever may be our work, let us do it well. 

Prof. J. H. Sarchet sang his pennyroyal song "Down in Ohio," accom- 
panying himself on the organ. The audience was perfectly delighted with 
the song, and showed its appreciation by the heartiest applause. The fol- 
lowing are the words of the sung: 



The British sing "God save the Queen," 
The Irishman of shamrock green, 
But there's a land they've never seen, 
In Ohio. 

Her hills ami valleys lauzh and sing 
While flocks and herds their tribute 

bring, 
And pennyroyal is "on the wing," 
In Ohio 

ClIORls : — 
Then a song for Pennyroyal. 
And her sons and daughters loyal, 
Sturdy tillers of the soil 

Down in Ohio 
We love the scented clover, 
That paints her meadows over. 
Ami the pennyroyal odor 

Down in Ohio 

'Tis found not in the railroad guide. 

Nor on i he map in stately pride, 

But mem'rv hounds her borders wide, 

In Ohio 
Her currency is honest toil 
For every hoy and every girl. 
Her emblem fragrant pennyroyal, 

In Ohio. 

The President said that Hun. Wm. Borton would speak on the subject 
of "Pennyroyal Feasts." 

Mr. Borton — I have taken quite an interest in preparing the grounds, 
erecting platforms and seats, and making general arrangements for this Pen- 
nyroyal Reunion. But I don't know hut what 1 should relinquish that 
duty, as I am about to be eclipsed. It is evident that the talent that has 
come in here from abroad outshines us who stay at home. But my motto is, 
"never surrender." It seems to me that the speaking should be allotted 
entirely to those from a distance, as they are not annoyed by the labors of 
preparation and domestic cares, as are those who live here. I congratulate 
you all on the fair weather vouchsafed us, to-day, and the auspicious circum- 
stances under which we assemble. What does "Pennyroyal Reunion" 
mean".' When the preparations were being made for the first reunion, 
somebody asked that question of Judge Kennon. He could not answer it, 
and I don't know that I can — fully. The thought occurs to me in this way. 
It is the custom in all parts id' the world to have feasts in commemoration 



No standing army keeps her peace, 
No need of judges or police, 
No pestilence or fell disease. 

In Ohio 
Her sparkling waters all partake 
With pennyroyal for "stomach's sake,' 
An antidote for every ache 

In Ohio. 

They never pass a sleepless night 
Because of dread mosquito's bite, 

For pennyroyal puts them to tlitrlit 

In Ohio. 
And babies smile in peaceful sleep 
And soothing syrup they never keep. 
For pennyroyal's so very cheap 

In Ohio. 

Then let us join the festive song 

And swell the chorus loud and strong, 

Sav to the world that we belong 

In Ohio 
And as we gather once a year 
We'll stories tell to memory dear, 
Our fathers and their God revere, 

In Ohio. 



04 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

of some great event. For instance, there is the feast of the Passover, of 
Pentecost, etc. We also have the celebration of the birthday of nations. 
But this is not a hast in the common acceptation of the term, but it is pre- 
eminently of a social nature. We thought it would be well tor old Oxford to 
commemorate the trials and adversities ofits early settlers; to devote a day 
to the renewal of old memories, re-establish old friendships and revive old 
recollections — leaving behind us all piques, animosities, dropping off for a 
day our hard work and leaving behind us our farms and our cans. That 
is the object, and how near we approach that goal depends upon each one 
tor himself. There is nothing more beneficial than these friendly greetings, 
this opening up of hearts, to take each other by the hand and with a smile 
say "1 am glad to meet you." Away with the selfish feeling that is so strong 
iu most older communities ! But all these great men did not emanate from 
( 'enter. We are not selfish, but will give due credit to other portions of the 
township. There are four legislators from as many different states, present 
here to-day. Now what I can not understand is how it comes that friend 
Scott represents a Democratic district in a Democratic state, being a Repub- 
lican ["Pennyroyal."] Yes, it must be Pennyroyal; and the more credit it 
is to him. We arc glad to sec these friends from a distance. We greet 
them with open hands and thankful hearts. We are not ashamed of them 
either here or in the halls of our National Congress or state legislatures. 
They occupy different stations in life. Some are lawyers doing honor to , 
themselves and probably — clipping clients — it depends on their necessities, 
as that is part of the profession. Some are in the ministry calling sinners 
to repentance. We have men who received their first lessons under these 
trees, and learned their A, B, C's in the old way. They have gone on from 
letter to letter, class to class, until they have reached the halls of the Na- 
tional legislature. We have men in various other occupations. Some 
write from far distant states, unable to be here in body, but whose hearts 
are present. We have them across the briny deep, in benighted lands, pre- 
paring to teach the Arabs and Mohammedans the way of everlasting lite. 
yet their hearts are here to-day. If I had the voice of Niagara or of the 
winds ot the sea, I would send those dear friends congratulations to-day. 

Rev. James McPeek was introduced by the President and spoke as 
follows: 

I am disappointed in being called to speak. Seeing I was not on the 
programme I did not tax my mind in preparing an address, and should 
have been excused after the brilliant speeches we have already heard. 
However there are a few things I will refer to, before sitting down. Iu 
listening to the speeches I perceived some ideas advanced that arc deserv- 
ing of criticism. My good friend Heade intimated that we could not all be 
great men. I differ from him. To be good is to be great, and we all can 
be good. There is no doubt in my mind that this kind of association pre- 
pares us for being good men. As soon as you touch a heart with convic- 
tion you start a reform. The man begins to think "I must quit my evil 
habits." This forms a moral basis. And perhaps there is no element bet- 
ter calculated to better our moral nature than social culture. We well 
remember when campmeetings were ridiculed because of their too strong 
evidences of sociality. But a high-toned, social community not only be- 
comes more moral, but there is less necessity for court-houses and jails. 
There is not so much good in speaking of the greatness and goodness and 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 65 

prominence of men who have gone out from Pennyroyaldom, a- a\ energy 
and application as necessary to success. I was born in thai pari of the 
township belonging to Londonderry. The first school bouse was in the 
corner ol my grandfather's ( John Me Peck ) {'arm. The fireplace occupied one 
side, and light was let in by greased paper, pasted over a hole made by cut- 
ting out a log. My first teacher was a man named Evison, and my second 

was Samuel Hanna. I recollect he gave me a back-handed skite o lav, 

and 1 wont home and never returned while he taught. 1 went to John 
Stewart, the first man who taught correctly the English rudiments. He 
was a stern man, treating all well, lint he relinked scathingly those who 
were bad. In those days our fathers were nut SO religious a- now, and did 
not observe the Sabbath day as they should. I believe that the reason they 
have mi many cyclones out west, is because they break the Sabbath, 
Brother Ferrell was mistaken in saying that he and one other were the only 
ones present who attended the school taught by Rev. Patterson. I went 
to Patterson, who was a V . P. and at that time studying for the ministry. 
Patterson and Hancock were the two last teachers I went to. Early in 
life I removed to the mountainous region known as Duck Creek. I hap- 
pened to see a young lady, without whom I thought I couldn't get along, 
SO we made a match of it, and had to go to Duck Creek to get a start in 
lite. Still I retained a desire tor education, anil read some theological works 
although not a member of a church. I also gut some medical works from 
Dr. Rogers, and studied them. I became known as an abolitionist. 'Sa- 
rahsville was then a hotbed of Abolitionism ami I moved there. Joining 
that army I remained until the last slave was set free. We cannot all lie 
great scholars, hut can all prepare ourselves sufficiently for the business oi 
the world. Proper social culture is a great factor in this. I always claimed 
that this region was settled by men of unusual ability, and I am not surpris- 
ed to sec such sons from such fathers. Those pioneers would lie a 
credit here to-dav. Though not educated, they possessed strong brains as 
well as robust bodies. .Men of principles and of action. 

An adjournment was now taken until two o'clock p. m. 

The big baskets were opened, the napkins were spread, and all Penny 
royaldom united in doing homage to the delicacies of the season, with spring 
chicken- In-owned to a turn, browned as only Pennyroyal mothers can, with 
light-cakes and butter more toothsome than the most famous creamery 
brand — in short, everything that was good and wholesome. Nobody went 
hungry. Eat. drink (water,) and lie merry was the command that resound- 
ed from one end of the grove to the other, and right eagerly was the com- 
mand obeyed. Old friends met ami chatted after years of absence and sep- 
aration. Young people met tor the first time the pilgrim Pennyroyal ists 
from distant state- and became acquainted with men who had been the 
playmates of their father- and grandfathers. Old recollections were reviv- 
ed and old incidents were recounted. It was a joyous occasion throughout, 
and no report could do this part of the programme anything like justice. 

AFTERNOON. 

Promptly at two o'clock, after having been entertained tin- some time 
by the Quaker City Band, the President announced that reports of commit- 



66 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

tees were in order. No committee being ready to report, Hem. J. D. Tay- 
lor was introduced. 

Col. Taylor-— My name seems to be placed on the programme, and lam 
assigned to what is called an oration. I scarcely know what that is — it lias 
sii many different meanings. But I understand that it means that you won't 
permit me to do what the others have done — recount reminiscence-.-. This 
day is full of interesting and touching associations. As I sat here this 
forenoon and listened to the remarks made, a thousand recollections forced 
themselves upon my mind. I am glad to see so many people here to-day. 
This is perhaps as large a gathering as we ever had before. The interest is 
yearly growing greater and greater. One thing I would call your attention to, 
and that is the age we live in. People are too apt to complain. Grumb- 
ling is the fashion of the day. Things are not what thev used to be ; they 
arc not as good as when we were boys. Now, I will not probably he con- 
sidered orthodox if I say that thousands shorten their lives by this continual 
grumbling and complaining. No people in the world's history have more 
cause to be thankful than this audience here to-day. The poet says: 

"We are living, we are dwelling 

In a grand and awful time, 
In an age on ages tellim:. 

To lie living is sublime." 

I believe this to be true. At no hour in the world's history, at no ■ 
time in the ages of the past, were there any people as pure as this genera- 
tion and this people. I know you read in every day's paper horrid ac- 
counts of crime. But fifty years ago we had no daily papers. Now you 
have reporters to gather the news, and they gather it from every town and 
hamlet. Everything that occurs even beyond the seas in Egypt, China and 
Japan, everywhere, there are men whose business it is to gather the news 
for you. We read all this news from all part- of the world, and think this 
is a more corrupt age than any other. I don't believe a word of it. Forty 
year- ago what would you see on a day like this'.' Men in their shirt 
sleeves, fighting. Many of these old men remember that they couldn't hold 
an election without whisky and fighting. The trouble in that day was we 
didn't know what was going on fifty miles from us. This community, this 
State, this Continent is purer and better than in any preceding age. Where 
is our ministry? Are they living in vain ? Where are our churches and 
school houses? Are they in vain'.' Are these influences lost'.' Have they 
accomplished nothing in the years gone by? I take it that they have, and 
that they are making the world purer and better. Take the slaves, for in- 
stance. Every shackle ha- been broken, and the very air we breathe is full 
of liberty. I could go out of this country and point the same moral. 
Take Russia — there every serf has been set free. Cur people i- reap- 
ing the rewards of the labor of two hundred year-. You are now gathering 
the fruit which your ancestors planted. Thev made many sacrifices, but 
their work was not in vain. No political party would dare to place in 
nomination for President such men as were nominated in preceding years, 
and not very far back. But this is not only an age of purity and peace, of 
security of life and property, but this is an age of wonderful improvement, 
of inventive genius. It is remarkable that more wonderful • things have 
been done during the la-t half century to make the world ' better and hap- 
pier than was achieved in the preceding six thousand years. When these 



SOUVENIR OF PENXYR01 ALDOM. 67 

old men before me were bays, fifty years ago, there was not a railroad in 
this country. All the railroads in Ohio have been built in the last 28 or 30 
years. [Somebody offered the Colonel a drink of water. He declined.] 
Bui forty years ago I would have had a glass on each side of me. and they 

wouldn't contain water, either. I recollect a preacher in that day who 
woidd he affronted, it', on entering your house, yon failed to offer him some- 
thing to drink. 

Colonel Taylor continued at some length reviewing the history of rail- 
roads, the discoveries of the telegraph and telephone, the electric light, the 
uses that are being made of natural gas, etc. He then made mention of the 
erection of monuments t.. the private soldier as an evidence of the progress 
of the people, and concluded by commenting at .some length upon the ad- 
vancement of agriculture in this land, and the prosperity of the farmer. 

"Down in Ohio," Protessor .1. H. Sarchet's Pennyroyal song, was re- 
peated by request, Mr. Sarchet being assisted in the chorus by Mrs. J. H. 
Sarchet, Mrs. W". 8. Heade and .Messrs. F. X. Carter and John \Y. Moore. 
It- reception by the vast audience must have been very satisfactory to the 
author and singers. No exercise of the day excited so much enthusiasm. 

Hon. Lewis W. Borton, member of the Kansas legislature, was intro- 
duced and made an eloquent speech. He held the crowd spell-hound from 
first to last, and everybody was sorry when he sat down. No report of the 
speech could do him justice. We can give only a few fragments from his 
remarks. # 

He said that he was there with very little to say. He had no politics 
to preach, no axe to grind. My old home was within four hundred yards 
of where I now stand, and about fifty years ago, if you had been here, you 
could have heard me crying. I used to sit under that tree with Col. Tay- 
lor, conning our lessons and thinking of being President. We may be 
President yet. I have the size and he the intellect. My name is Lewis 
Wetzel Borton. My father was a great admirer of the old Indian fighter 
and named me after him. I have traveled a great deal since I left Pcnny- 
royaldom; hut I don't come here to advise you to leave. If you have a 
good thing here, do not leave it. I am like the man who always took hash 
when away from home, because then he always knew what he got. There 
are many tender recollections in tins place. Von have forgotten all your 
trials and tribulations, your labors and your cares, and have come together 
for a day of joy and happiness. You have left your plows standing idle in 
the furrow, while von devote one day to old memories and old friends. 
Small incidents change the whole course of a man's lite. My life was 
changed when I went west to the gold mines. I have no reason to regret 
that step, yet I do not come here to blow up the west. While we have big 
crops this year, we may not have SO big next year; and 1 advise you to stay 
right here, if you are fixed. Col. Taylor has told you about the railroads, 
those great iron arteries that span our continent from ocean to ocean, and 
from lakes to gulf. < if the while winged sails that dot the ocean, and of 
the telegraph wire> that reach across the Atlantic, carrying the news down 
among sunken vessels and over dead men's skulls. But in a few years I 
expect to see -hip- sailing through the cloud-, and to hear of collisions sev- 



68 .son r ENIR < > F PENN ) 'I! OYALDOM. 

era] miles in the air. Why, I expect to see the Capitol at Washington lifted 
up bodily and set out somewhere in Kansas. The people of this country 
can accomplish anything. That same fire and patriotism that met scarlet 
and steel in deadly combat still burns in the hearts ofthe American people. 
I have helped to build up that western country, and I have built several 
towns myself. Come out and see me. You will find my latchstring hang- 
ing clear out in the street. I came here to see you through coal dust, and 
hot sun, traveling hundreds of miles, and I want you to conn- to see me — if 
not all at once, conic one at a time. I love Ohio, my native state, even as 
a man loves his mother better than his wife ; he could get another wife, hut 
n.vcr another mother. Look at California, bright, affluent, with rivers of 
gold, the gem of the continent. Look at Nevada, her brow encircled with 
the pure tiara of silver stars. Look at all the intervening states, sonic. 
rich, some beautiful, some magnificent. 15ut here is Ohio, last hut not 
least ; my mother's state — the state when' I went to school a | r hoy, know- 
ing nothing, seeing nothing ; yes, and reading nothing except that old 
United -States spelling hook. And in that I read, "My son, do no ill." I 
didn't come here to tell you whether you ought to he Democrat- or Repub- 
licans — only came here to shake hands with you, to meet you once again in. 
God's country where red apples grow. [After describing several of the 
western states, he continued:] I tell you as an old schoolmate and teacher 
that in every country you will find inconveniences. Wherever you can hi' 
happy, there is the place to he. I thank God that I was made out of good 
old Ohio soil. I think it eclipses the soil everywhere. 

After paying a high compliment to the women of Pennyroyaldom, and 
telling some anecdotes of his younger days, he concluded by advising that 
the Reunion he kept up, prophesying that in a few years it would require 
speaking from three or four stands at once in order to entertain the immense 
audiences that would assemble here. 

Col. Jacob Kemple followed Judge Borton and math' an eloquent 
address, his subject being "The wives, mothers and daughters of Penny- 
royal." 

The committee appointed during the forenoon to select officers tor the 
coining year, reported as follow: President, Win, Borton; vice-President, 
W. S. Heade ; Secretary, D. I). Taylor; Corresponding Secretary, J. O. 
Grimes; Treasurer, Hon. Newell Kennon; Executive Committee, Jonathan 
Hose, Dr. J. B. Holtz, Dr. G. II. Stout, John Wherry, D. C. Kennon. 

The President next introduced D. C. Kennon, who spoke as follow- 
on the subject of "Pennyroyal of to-day :" 

One glance at this audience would suffice to tell what the Pennyroyal 
of to-day is. There is no need of comparing the to-day with the past. 
Just think of our present advantages and surroundings and thank God that 
you live in the latter part of the 19th century. Men are created for certain 
purposes, if we of to-day were required to clear away the forests and pre- 
pare the land for the plough-share, we would discover that we had not 
the muscle. Every day and generation has its own work. 

It is mind alone that works on mind. It is educated mind that edu- 
cates mind. It is living men and living books that quickens, inspires, and 
developes energies and polishes lhe mind. It is not theory nor a dead let- 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 69 

ter that animates and actuates the faculties of mind. It is the animation of 
the teacher that animates the student. Hence it was Paul that made Tim- 
othy and Titus. Paul owed much to Dr. Gamaliel. Had there not been a 
Demosthenes amongst the Greek there never would have been a Cicero 
amongst the Romans. Had there not been a Webster and a (lav there 
never would have been a Lincoln or Garfield. The records of the past in 
Pennyroyal are grand ; the future belongs to us to make it what it will he. 
It is the present livifig generation that gives character and spirit to the 
next. Hence is the paramount importance of accomplished and energetic 
teachers in forming the tastes, manners and the characters of the coming 
age. It is the aim ot life that terminates character. Man never lives for 
past generations. He lives lor the present and future. Our schools are for 
the present and coming generations. The good or evil that men do is not 
always buried with their bones. II' we have done evil in the past, let us 
forget it, and remember that all have a motive, and that our object should 
be to elevate society. The present is ours and the future belongs to God. 

Our schools are, in every point of view, the most important and useful 
institution on earth. Second only to the church of Christ in their inherent 
claims upon Christian liberty and Christian patronage. If they he not 
worthy of the smiles and prayers and contributions of a Christian com- 
munity, I know not beyond the church what is or ought to be an appro- 
priate and approved object of Christian patronage. We must have an ed- 
ucated mind in order to advance the prosperty and progress of society. 

After a characteristic speech from D. D. Taylor, the President an- 
nounced that the Reunion exercises, except as to social converse, were now 
at an end, and hoped to meet all here again next year. After music by the 
band, the people lingered for two hours under the spreading branches of 
the grand old oaks, and the shadows were lengthening long before the 
crowd separated and abandoned the grove to its usual solemn stillness. 



SOfciYERIR OR PERRVRGVClLDGm. 

FIFTH REUNION, 

^ERE were more people present than on any preceding "first day." 
By ten o'clock when President Kirkpatrick called the audience to 
order the grove was well tilled with people. Rev. John B. Miller 
read the 'Hst psalm, and ottered up prayer. Prof. Sarchet and the Pen- 
nyroyal choir sang "Down in Ohio." D. C. Kennon made the address 

ol welcome, as follows : 

Ladies mid Gentlemen : The duty and pleasure of making the address 
of welcome on this occasion devolves on me. I would that the task had 
fallen on some one who would have discharged it more ably, yet 1 will try 
to make up in heartiness and sincerity of my utterance what I lack in elo- 
quence oi diction, and power of oratory. Like the hoy who was sent by 
his mother on an errand to a neighbor's hous* — on his return he told his 
mother that the neighbor lady had given him a nice piece of cake. "Did 
you thank her for it'.'"' his mother asked. " < >h. yes," said the hoy, "hut I 
did not tell her so; I thanked her in my heart." There i~ a language con- 
veyed in the eye, in the expression of the countenance, in the grasp of the 
hand, more eloquent than lips can utter. Such a welcome I trust awaits 
you all on this, the Quintennial Reunion of our association. We meet un- 
der favorable auspices, surrounded by the blessings of a benign Providence. 
The past year has been one of ordinary plenty, although our store-houses 
may not have been crowded with plenty, nor our wine presses hursted with 
the vastness of its vintage, yet our bread has been given us and our water 
has been sure. The pestilence that walkcth at midday anil the destruction 
that wasteth at midnight have not come near us, and although the Hoods in 
other parts of our land have washed away the accumulated labor of years 
and left a dreary waste in its track, we were enabled from our abundance to 
assist in relieving the wants of those less fortunate than ourselves. We 
live in the age of reunions. Colleges, -clouds, and families have their re- 
unions, and the soldiers who tented on the same Held and stood shoulder to 



SO U I AW I R F PENN i 'SO kAL BOM. 7 1 

shoulder in the same bloody strife, have reunions of ponderous magnitude. 
Why should not we have our social reunion where for.mer friendships may 
be renewed and strengthened, old memories l>o revived, the past liven over 
again in the present, the better elements of our nature awakened, and thus 
be made t<> feel more kindly towards ourselves and toward our fellow -beings. 
In this sordid age, in the hurried race of life we need' the softening in- 
fluence of fellowship and companionship to tone us down, and temper with 
kindly feelings the asperities of life. Reunions then are among the hopeful 
signs ot the times, for they develop those elements of our nature, which 
have Keen given us by our Creator, for happiness and well being. When 
God made the first man he placed him in the Garden of Eden, but Adam 
would have soon become tired of its fruits, and flowers, and singing birds, 
and God knew it and said it is not good for man to lie alone, and He gave 
him a helpmate, which has been a welcome companion ever since. 

A man might possess a depopulated world, as it now stands with 
all its wealth and grandeur. lie might travel from city to city, from 
realm to realm; and exclaim, with Alexander .Selkirk : 

"I am monarch of all I survey. 

My rights there is none to dispute; 
From the center all round to the sea, 

I am Lord of the fowl and the brute." 

But like him we would sunn exclaim : 

Oh ! solitude, where are the charms 

That Sages have seen in thy face: 
Rather dwell in the midst of alarms, 

Than reign in this horrible place. 

We welcome you, then, to-day, to an association where influence is 
in harmony with your better natures and where you need have but one 
regret, and that will lie the regret that we soon must part. 

We ean say with the poet : 

We coine once more with smile.-, to greet you. 

To cheer the warmth of every heart. 
In happiness we smile to meet you 

Yet grieved to think bo soon we'll part. 

There is likewise an undertone of sadness in our greeting in the con- 
sciousness of the fact that some of our number have left us to return 
no more. Look how many are in the garb of mourning ; God has his 
own way to take. apart a family. We must get out of the way for coming 
generations, we must get oil' the stage that others may come on : and for 
this reason there is a long procession reaching down into the Valley ot' 
Shadows. This matter of emigration from time to time into Eternity is 
so vast an enterprise that we cannot understand it. Every hour we hear 
the clang of the sepulcher gate. The sod must be broken, the ground 
must be plowed for the resurrection harvest. Eternity must be peopled. 
Their earthly reunions have ended, their celestial reunions begun, and 
if it lie the privilege of the departed, as sonic do claim, to witness the 
transactions of earth, with pleasure they must contemplate our assem- 
blage and look forward with anticipation to the time when others of 
our number shall swell the great reunion beyond the skies. In particular 
do we advert to one whose memory we do proudly cherish. I refer to Dr. 



72 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

Wallace, who had written that he would be with us to-day if life was 
spared and health would permit; whose voice we expected to hear and 
whose hand we expected to grasp. But that voice is silent-— that hand 
is powerless. He no more with the eye of sense will look upon the 
hills and valleys of Guernsey, but is to-day with the angels in the Para- 
dise of God. Because the mental and the moral machinery are out of 
repair, until repaired happiness is as impossible as that an engine can 
work without a drive-wheel. The material, both mental and mechanical, 
if long neglected, may become so worthless that repair is impossible. 

Thus we meet and part ; we know not when or where we will 
meet again. But let us not look too mournfully on the past. The present 
is ours, and with kind hearts let us go manfully forward to meet the future 
and try to make the world the happier for us having lived in it. The past 
is photographed on the mind, we cannot divorce ourselves from it. Before 
us rises our childhood and youth, a thousand memories rush upon us, some 
things we would forget but cannot. There is no seething waters we can 
drink to make us forget our errors and mistakes. And as we cannot forget 
let us improve by past mistakes and thus make the future panorama of our 
lives freer from blot and blemish. 

In conclusion, we are glad to see you here ; you are thrice welcome. 
May your stay among us be pleasant. May nothing occur to mar the per- 
fect harmony of our gathering, nothing that will cause a shade of sadness 
on any brow, or an unkind feeling in any heart ; that when, in the future, 
memory reverts to this occasion, it may recall one of the bright spots in the 
history of our lives ; and whether your homes should be in the broad 
prairies of the west, or in some crowded mart, or even on the Pacific slope, 
may you remember kindly the hills of Guernsey, and both the hills and 
vales, the springs and rivulets of historic Oxford ; and amid all, and above 
all, may you remember the fifth celebration of the Pennyroyal Reunion. 

Secretary Taylor read a letter from Hon. N. B. Scott, of Wheeling, 
regretting his inability to be present. D. D. Taylor acted as Mr. Scott's 
alternate and responded to the address of welcome. J. O. Grimes, also 
made a brief address. Treasurer Kennon reported that §97 had been col- 
lected and paid out. The report was adopted. A recess was then taken 
until two o'clock p. m. 

AFTERNOON. 

As soon as the vast audience had been called to order D. D. Taylor 
moved to take from the table the motion to appoint a committee to select 
otficers for the ensuing year. Carried. The question was then put, and it 
prevailed by an unanimous vote. The President announced the following 
committee : James McClenahan, Dr. G. H. Stout, John Wherry, D. C. 
Kennon, Thomas Smith. 

President Kirkpatrick then announced that the time had now come when 
his term of office had ceased. He returned his heartfelt thanks for the 
honor that had been his in presiding over this Reunion. He said that no- 
crowned head had ever been as proud of his power as he was of this honor 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 7:; 

of presiding over the Pennyroyal Reunion. I now have the honor of 
introducing to you my successor, Hon. William Borton. 

Before taking the chair, President Borton said: 

I am proud of the position assigned me hen — that of President of the 
Pennyroyal Reunion. At the same time I am haunted by fears that I 
cannot till the office as acceptably and honorably as my illustrious prede- 
cessors, J. O. Grimes and John Kirkpatrick. But my heart is in the 
work, and I know 1 have as much interest and as much anxiety for its 
success as they, and that shall be my consolation. Again 1 thank yon, and 
will endeavor to perform the duties of the position to the best of my 
ability. 

As to an inaugural address, what shall I say '.' I imagine I hear some 
one say "There's Old Bill Borton again." I have been talking to yon for 
years and it seems that I have told yon everything I know. On occasions 
like this we are left to Our own resources, and 1 think yon ought to excuse 
Old Bill from any further speech making. If I could only express here 
the thoughts that throng my mind previous to these occasions, I could prob- 
ably say something interesting. When at home thinking about these hap- 
py occasions I frequently have a good idea, and I think I will remember it 
for your benefit here ; but before the time comes it has escaped me. But 
whether I say much or little others will come after me who will abundantly 
entertain you. 

The subject of my speech is not here to-day, greatly to tin 1 regret of us 
all. Rev. Keil, whom I used to hear when a boy, is not here. He would 
be a sort of inspiration to me. My experience in attending these Reunions 
is that they are beneficial gatherings. If this be true, the object in getting 
them up has been attained. It is good that we forget our secular concerns 
for a season, leave behind us all our animosities, our jealousies and our pet- 
ty bickerings, and gather in these beautiful groves united in the bonds of a 
common brotherhood. We all have faults and wrongs, but meet 
here and feel good to be here to greet each other in a 
friendly way. This is our object, to relate to the young and 
recall to the memories of the aged, the events in the history of Pennyroy- 
aldom as far as our own memories go. We all recollect circum- 
stances connected with ourselves better than others, and when we relate 
them we feel better, and, going home, take up the duties of life invigorated 
and encouraged. What shall I talk about"? The old school house — what 
shall I say? 

Col. Taylor — Nothing so good as that. 

Mr. Borton — It was Woodworth, wasn't it, who said: 

"How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood, 

When fond recollection presents them to view ! 
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wild wood, 

And every loved spot which my infancy knew." 

When 1 undertake to talk of my past life, I wish I could present to 
your minds the pictures that are in mine. If I had the descriptive power of 
a Washington Irving or a Mark Twain I might attempt it. Go in memory 
to that old school house, long since in ashes. See those old cross-barred 
walls, the old roof without any projection, the oblong windows, the <pieer 
benches, some low down for the little pupils, and some high up for the big 



74 SOUVENIR OF PENNYBOYALDOM. 

boys and girls. Can you think of it ? Of course you can. Anybody who 
attended school in those days ran see the picture as plainly as if it was hut 
yesterday. And there was the paddle, the most important piece of furniture 
in the house, for it was the cynosure of all eyes, the paddle on which was 
painted on one side "In" and on the other "Out." 

'Squire Fen-ell — And a log cut out of the side of the house, and 
the hole covered with greased paper for a window. 

President Borton — Yes; and there is where I heard Father Keil preach 
nearly a half century ago. I went with father one Sunday afternoon, and 1 
remember hi- text, and 1 wish he was here to-day to see if he remembered 
it. It was: "Foi as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the 
children of God." l^ there another one present here to-day who was there? 
Perhaps 'Squire Ferrell remembers. 

'Squire Ferrell — Yes, I was there. 

President Borton continued, describing the paths leading to the old 
school house, and naming the old pioneers who trudged along these paths 

toward the scl 1 house where divine service was held. They gathered at 

the school house (dad in homespun. You can not quite appreciate this, 
unless you are middling old and have seen it. Thus they gathered there, 
honest, silent and solemn, to hear the gospel preached, forty-five years ago. 
The old school house was burned down. Some were glad of it. But whin 
we gather here and begin to think of those who were here then, tin- greal 
change Time has wrought is made apparent. They have measurably passed 
away. Some have gone across the river, some of us arc here making this 
our home and abiding place ; some have gone away into all parts of the 
world — almost to the ends of the earth — and have sent hack to this reunion 
trophies and mementoes of their work abroad. We find the natives 
of Pennyroyaldom in almost every state and territory in the United States. 
Although far away, they are thinking about us to-day. Their minds wan- 
der back to us, and long to be with us. Some have not stopped within the 
limit- of the United States, but have crossed the raging Atlantic and on the 
banks of the Nile they are to-day thinking of our time here, while they are 
laboring to enlighten the heathen of far-off Egypt. We are enjoying the 
sun at meridian height, but the slanting shadows of the Pyramids are glanc- 
ing across the Mediterranean, denoting the close of day. 1 find I am fail- 
ing in strength. I am not well to-day. But there i- one subject 1 -must 
refer to. Some who were with us when we first started these Reunions an- 
nul hereto-day. Good old mother Taylor is gone. 1 told von about her 
when living, and 1 repeat it now that she is dead. I say that more of the 
success of education in Pennyroyaldom is due to her than to any other one 
person. She has gone to another Reunion, but her memory will be cher- 
ished as long as these annual gathering- are kept up. Judson Marlow, the 
genial friend and good neighbor, is no more. George Plattenburgh, one of 
the oldest citizens, has but recently passed away. Morris Morton, an 
ex-Commissioner of Guernsey, and an honorable man, has been called away 
since our last gathering here. Others have gone beyond the river, and no 
man knows how many of us shall have passed away before another Reunion 
conies around. These reunions are a good thing, and they should be held 
not only here, but in every township in the county, in the state and in the 
land. How shall we remember those who have passed away'.' We say we 
will remember their good qualities, their virtuous deeds, but it seems that 



SO U VEK1R OF PENN1 'B01A LDOM. 75 

we too soon forget them. But there is a way to remember them. A- the 
poet Whittier says : 

"Lei N- remember them as waves in the stillest water, 
Or as stars in the noonday sky." 

At the conclusion of President Borton's speech there was music l>v the 
Morristown band. Col. J. D. Taylor was then introduced. 

Col. Taylor — I feel somewhat embarrassed by tliis large audience he- 
fore me to-day. I had no information that 1 was to make a speech here. 
I did not agree to make any speech. 1 am even worse fixed than friend 
Bmton, Cor I have not had time to prepare a speech. My duties have been 
such that they required all my time, night ami day, except just sufficient for 
eating and sleeping. But 1 must say something to this people, who meet 
here year after year to commemorate and hand down the history and tradi- 
tions of Pennyroyaldom. I do not believe that you who live here feel as 
those who come but once a year. 1 can scarcely express my feelings to you. 
It is not exact])- a happy occasion to me. Memories of the past crowd my 
mind, and pictures of the' scenes that were, spring forth in vivid colors — 
the sad yet sweet memories of the past almost obliterating the pleasures <>t 
the present. A year ago I talked to you about the great discoveries and 
inventions of the past forty years, andl had forgotten all about it until some- 
body this morning handed me a paper containing a report of my remarks. 
1 said then that this i.s the greatest hour in the world's history ; that we are 
witnessing the greatest panorama in the world's history; that men before 
me had seen more than generations had seen in a thousand years. I made 
this argument then, and need not repeat it now. I recollect that I went 
over the great inventions of the past forty years. I said, too, on that oc- 
casion that the people living to-day are purer and better than the people of 
any other generation. Notwithstanding the tongue of slander and words 
of reproach this generation is grander in its purity than any other that ever 
existed. We hear of more wickedness, simply because we have the press 
and telegraph to bring to us daily the whole history of the world, for the 
past twenty-four hours. I recollect the argument that this is the poor 
man's generation. The common people hail come to the front. Kings had 
lost their crowns, potentates their titles. The royal dignity had no place 
as in generations before. I remember too the argument that this is the 
formers' day. In no time of history had the farmer come to the front as 
now. In times past they had no such comfortable homes, no such happy 
circles. Look at the fertile fields and good orchards; look into the ward- 
lobes and uraneries, and you will see that they have plenty to eat and plenty 
to wear, the like of which was not seen in all the world's history. What 
further shall I say V I was struck with a remark of friend Borton. Just 
think that we have a representative beyond the sea. That this people, (the 
newest in the world,) has sent a missionary to the oldest nation in the 
world, carrying this good hook, the tidings of salvation, across the ocean. 
Leaving all the dear associations of home, which cluster so closely around 
the heart, Nannie McClenahan Finney went aboard the ship, and is to-day 
l>y the waters of the Nile. No greater honor has ever Keen conferred on 
any citizen of Pennyroyaldom. I thank God to-day that we have such a 
representative, who would leave her own country to teach the way of sal- 
Nation to tile benighted heathen. 



76 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

Only this morning I picked up a letter written by a young man now 
in the far-off pine forests of northern Maine. This young man is John 
Morton. He had never been far away from home before; but he left home 

and friends, and is now among that strange people, preaching to them, or- 
ganizing Sabbath schools and doing the arduous work of a home mission- 
ary. He is another honorable representative of Pennyroyaldom. 

I suppose if I had time to think I might point out others who have 
gone forth and are making honorable name- in tin- distant lands. When 
allusion was made this morning to Rev. Dr. Wallace. I recollected the last 
time he was in Guernsey county. He expressed great regret to me that he 
had not been able to be here last year, 1 nit promised that he would certainly 
be here this year. That great man, standing high in his church, and whose 
theological writings are read by theologians everywhere, sleeps to-day be- 
neath the -oil. I also think of those hoys of over twenty years ago, stand- 
ing in line, holding their muskets. They loved their country as they loved 
home and friends and Him who made them. They sleep to-day in soldiers' 
graves. It is sometimes glorious to look over the records of years gone 
by. It is a grand thing to live, ami it is a grander thing to live for some 
good. I remember that school house beneath the brow of the hill. I re- 
member those long windows that .friend Ferrell referred to. I remember 
that big bundle of rods, and I remember the teacher going along, up and 
down the benches, striking hoys across the knee.-. I remember those teach- 
ers — hut all are gone except oik — Robert Armstrong. This long period is 
in one sense hut short. What shall the future he'.' We talk about the past, 
hut those past events can never he changed. I thought, when I heard the 
prayer of the reverend gentleman this morning, that it would be a good 
thing if everybody would carry that prayer home with him. It is the 
best speech of the day. He talked about the future — that other Reunion 
which wc expect to hold on the other side of the river. Some have already 
gone before and are waiting for us. There is a vacant chair in every home. 
The weeds of mourning are seen here to-day. I said before that this was 
not a joyous place to me. It seems like a great funeral. We are attend- 
ing the obsequies of two hundred friends. [Mr. Taylor here mentioned the 
names of some of the old residents who had passed away since he taught school 
in this district — Win. Borton, Sr., James Borton, James Heade, James 
\\ herry, Morris Morton, etc.] When I think id' these, and of younger men 
and women who have passed away, I feel that this is not a joyous occasion. 
Your heart has felt the same. This should teach us to look forward to 
that other reunion, which is taught in this book. This Pennyroyal reunion 
will have a future. I see many young men and young women before me 
to-day. How will they do? How will they correspond with the genera- 
tion preceding them? Will they make their mark as high? I beseech you. 
to realize how great a thing it is to be pure in lite, upright in integrity. 
When you are old, it will be too late then. You live to-day and never will 
live it over again. You have lived this year, and will never have the 
privilege of living it over again. The Great Recorder is putting down in 
indelible characters your deeds, whether they be good or evil. I trust you 
will far excel the preceding generation. It is a grand thing to be a young 
woman. Her life may be copied by a hundred others. No young lady 
can estimate what her influence may be. I have known a young lady to- 
say this or that to a young man which would have the greatest effect on his 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 77 

life. She would associate not with the reckless, and give him to under- 
stand that her convictions are not to be turned aside. And it is .a grand 
thing to be a young man. Why not resolve,"] will be a man: I will utter 
utter no profane word; T will use no intoxicating drink; I will never 
associate with any man who mighl contaminate me ; I will show to the world 
that 1 am a man." When you have lived ten or twenty years this way, you 
will thank God that you have chosen the right path. It' you do not the 
hitter tears of sorrow will blister your cheeks. Oh, the wreck of a young 
man ! Oh, the wreck of a young woman ! I have seen a young girl whose 
life had been pure, who, by her marriage, marred her future, and her life 
went down, until it went <>ut in hopeless darkness. 

Colonel Taylor related a story, told to him by an eye-witness, of a refined 
young lady, the idol ol a wealthy father. She loved a young man who was 
in tin' habit of drinking wine. Her father objected to him on that account. 
She married in opposition to her father's wishes and was disowned by him. 
About a year afterwards her husband was arrested for committing a horrible 
murder. That nighl the unhappy mother gave birth to her first born. 
When only seven or eight years old this boy developed the same symptoms 
as his father, and when seventeen or eighteen he took his own life in a fit of 
deliriumtremens. Her husband died in the penitentiary, her, only son com- 
mitted suicide, and in a few years she died and only two persons followed 
her to her grave. There are skeletons in a thousand homes, and all come 
from a want of integrity. That boy who starts out determined to do his 
duty will have no trouble. 

The lamented Garfield said that when he asked other people's advice he 
often went wrong; but when he followed his own conscience he always 
came out right. 1 have made these suggestions to the young hoping that 
they may result in some good. This morning. J met a young man who 
could tell me what I had said in the school house near Sewellsville twenty 
years ago. I remember when 1 taught up here a little piece. There was a 
young woman who always had' her lessons. She was fair of face and quite 
young, with her hair hanging down her back in two neat plaits. This young 
girl used to ask me to go home with her and stay all night. I haven't seen 
liet for twenty years, but she is in this audience to-day, and 1 was intro- 
duced to her daughter, a young lady, a few minutes ago. 

Why, here is Jacob Chapman. My earliest ambition was to keep my 
axe as sharp as his. There is mother Ileade. 1 used to go home with her 
daughters, when the nights were dark, and sometimes go in the house and 
sit around the tire and eat apples. Why, 1 remember being at apple cut- 
tings until broad day light. And there was Jackson Gracy — I see his 
children and grand children in this audience. How many times have I 
heard him pray in old I'isgah church. I remember his daughter Nancy, 
long since passed away; how faithfully she attended church. Reference has 
been made to Rev. Kcil. Grand old man! I have known him all mv life. 
He preached in this vicinity, and used to .stop at my father's. Although he 
would sometimes ride from Williamsburg and Mt. Ephraim, and his horse 
would be covered with mud, it was never any trouble to curry him. I am 
gliid friend Morton paid such a glowing tribute to him. I am reminded of 
an anecdote in this co.) nection. One Sunday when Rev. Kcil was staying 
at our house on a communion occasion, my uncle and aunt from Belmont 
county wire also there. They wanted to leave on Sunday evening, and my 



78 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROl ALDOM. 

mint wanted a pair of pigeons to take with her. 1 told her not to let Rev. 
Keil know and that I would catch the pigeons for her, even though it was 
Sunday. She promised and alter dinner I quietly went out to catch the 
pigeons. But they made a noise and flew around and one struck against 
the window of Rev. Keil's room. This attracted his attention, and he saw 
me and inquired about them. "What pretty things ; what pretty things," 
he said; "couldn't you let me have a pair? I am going home this evening, 
and would like to take them with me." Of course I let him have a pair, 
and, although it perceptibly decreased my flock, yet I was heartily glad, for 
it let me out so nicely. These reminiscences conic up to me as I see these 
old friends and think of the past. 

One complaint I have to make against these officers. They never 
wiote me of my appointment tor a speech, only sent me a programme. It 
is but natural that I should be attracted to this place. No man in Penny- 
royal can say that I did not always give him a warm greeting. I recollect 
when mother was on her last sick bed. The doctors would not let anybody 
see her, but she would always insist that she should see all the old neigh- 
bors who called to see her. She always bad her latchstring out ior them. 
I have never been absent from these reunions when within one thousand 
miles of them. I look around and see these boys and girls whose parents 
went to school to me. I am glad to have this opportunity to talk to 
you. Glad of this reunion and glad of the influence it exerts. But the 
graudest thing of all is that this people has always been in favor of purity, 
integrity and religion. You have learned the truths of this Book, and have 
taught them to your children, and they will teach them to their children, 
and so on from generation to generation. I would like to talk of the Bor- 
tous, the Wherrys, and others, if I had time. I often meet people who say 
they have met friends of mine in Iowa, in Illinois, in far distant states, and 
I am glad to hear that they are leaders in every good work. That they are 
building churches and organizing Sabbath Schools. 

The influences of this community are like the waves that spread until 
they reach the farthest shore. The influence of the preaching by such men 
as Father Keil cannot be told. There is no estimating these influences. 
When you weigh the question as to what you should do, you should con- 
sider that the influence of that act will last as long as the sun is in the heav- 
ens; as long as the planets revolve around the sun. Therefore, a man 
should act well his part in the great drama oi life, so that when the sun is 
blotted out and the constellations disappear he can stand up and occupy a 
place in that other country where no scenes ever die and shadows do not 
intervene. 

Col. Taylor closed by thanking the audience for their attention, and 
was applauded as he retired. 

The Pennyroyal choir, under the leadership of Prof. J. H. Sarchet, 
sang "Work While the Pay Lasts." 

Secretary Taylor read the following letters, written by Pennyroyalists 

who were unable to be present : 

FROM JAMES D. HENRY, ESQ. 

Cixcivxati, O , August 13, 1884. 
D. D. Taylor, Esq. — My Dear sir: Thanks for the Pennyroyal programme I 
wish to thank, also, the kind friends who took the trouble to seeiire me an honorable 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 79 

place on the "bill of fare," so Dear the dessert, the doxology and the benediction. 
Doubtless the desire was to provide something melancholy for the good people for the 
parting soon to follow, and the choice was wise, too, for I think I could make them all 
resigned ami willing to leave the place and to "stand not on the order of going." However, 
instead of joining in the pleasures of the reunion this year, I must semi regrets, and ease 
my own disappointment by promise of adose of pennyroyal at a future time, and wish- 
ing the reunions perpetual prosperity, I remain true to Pennyroyaldom, "A lover of her 
hills anil woods and flowing crystal waters." Yours with kind regards to all, 

J. D. Henuy. 



FROM THE BORTOX FAMILY. 

Clyde, Kansas, August 16, 1884. 
To all Pennyroyalists to whom these presents shall come, greeting: Know ye 
that we, the undersigned, sons and daughters of Pennyroyaldom, hereby send greetings 
We are with you in spirit at your reunion and regret we cannol be With you in the llesh. 

We shall ever remember our native land, our fathers and our mothers The brightest 
diamond in the Kremlin of Russia is not good enough to deek their brows. We 
earnestly hope these reunions may he kept alive, as we expect to send a ear load of 
Pennyroyalists next year. With host wishes for your success, we remain your friends. 

Lewis W. BoRTON, 
Winfield S Borton, James W. Burton, John W Burton, Baker Bortun, and all their 
wives. 

Aii interesting letter was also nail from Hon. Hcnrv Kennon, of 
Princeton, Illinois. 

Lewis Anderson, of Londonderry township, was introduced and spoke 
as follows : 

I feel rather embarrassed in attempting to speak on this occasion ; how- 
ever, I feel highly complimented in addressing- so highly respectable an 
audience. I congratulate you on account of the great improvement in 
society since I have been among you. I am not a very old man, but a little 
over fifty, but within niv recollection there has been a great change in your 
condition. Our fore-fathers did well, better than we could, probably, under 
the same circumstances. But they likely made many mistakes. The scien- 
tific world has been able to correct many past errors, yet, though we have 
rounded the midnight of superstition, much remains to be corrected. Accord- 
ing to the history of the past, man developes and improves as he takes hold 
of and applies to mechanical purposes the forces of nature. There is a 
great deal to overcome yet. This world is still full of errors. I do not expect 
to correct them ; but you and I differ on many subjects, aud as long as we 
differ, this world must still be full of lies and liars. You have the right, young 
man, to ask any question, and it is your duty to inquire. Away back in 
the beginning of the seventeenth century, many good people feared the 
skeptics would obliterate witchcraft and so ruin Christianity. I^ater this 
class of philosophers feared that the investigations of science would demolish 
divine revelation. But we still take the Bible as our guide. The grand- 
children of these philosophers now say that if the theory of evolution be 
true, the foundation of our religion will go down. But be patient. No 
individual has a right to formulate a faith that can not stand investigation. 
I advise young men and young women to investigate for themselves. We 
are told that there are unsolvable things that we must not investigate. If 
Newton had believed tliat he would never have discovered the law of gravi- 
tation. The only true doctrine is to investigate ; try all things. Be good, 
try to live so as to make the world a little better, a little wiser that you have 
lived in it. 



80 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

After music by the band, Miss Laura Hollister, of Scio, daughter of 
Rev. J. E. Hollister, formerly (pastor oi the Fairview Methodist Episcopal 
church, recited the "First Settler's Story." This recitation was delivered 
with excellent- taste, and in a clear, ringing voice that could lie heard to 

the outer edge of the audience. She was followed intently by all, and when 
the climax came, there was hardly a dry eye in all that vast gathering. 

Prof. J. H. Sarchet then sang a solo, "(live a fair count." 

The next performance was a recitation by Miss Wessie ( ). X. Brown, 
of Cincinnati, daughter of Mrs. Mattie McClelland Brown, a native o' 
Pennyroyaldom. I). T>. Taylor introduced Miss Brown, by saying she was 
a granddaughter <>f Pennyroyaldom, and explained that she would imper- 
sonate "Hypatia," a heathen who was converted to Christianity. Miss 
Brown has a sweet voice, and she recited the difficult selection from Kings- 
lev with a fiery enthusiasm that made one almost imagine he were present 
in ancient Alexandria, and were listening to the golden words that drop- 
ped from the beautiful lips of the real Hypatia. 

The choir followed with the patriotic hymn, "My country 'tis of thee," 
led by Prof. J. H. Sarchet on tl rgan. 

President Borton announced that Mrs. .las. McClenahan had been pre- 
sented l>y her daughter with the full costume of an Egyptian woman, and 
that a young lady would he dressed in this suit on to-morrow, and that 
Mrs. Mary Turkle would make an address explaining the dress, etc. This 
concluded the exercises at the stand, but the social part continued for hours 
longer. Friend met friend, and long forgotten acquaintanceships were re- 
newed. It was a season long to be remembered, and it was well worth a 
year of life to have been there. The shadows of the old oaks had grown 
long, when the last good-lives were spoken and the people separated, prom- 
ising to meet on the morrow. 

THURSDAY MORNING. 

Long before ten o'clock the outskirts of the grove were crowded with 
vehicles, and the people thronged around the grand stand in numbers far 
surpasssing those of any preceding reunion. By the time President Borton 
rapped to order there were at least five thousand people present. The Qua- 
ker City hand was present to assist the Morristown hand in entertaining 
the people. 

Rev. W. I>. Starkey stepped forward ami read the 103d psalm, after 
which the great audience joined him in prayer. 

After music by the Morristown hand, Thomas Smith made an address 
on the subject of "Benefits of Reunions." Mr. Smith spoke as follows: 

I am proud to have my name on the programme; proud to he called on 
to address an audience like this, composed of men and women of more than 
ordinary intelligence. I am only an adopted son. of Pennyroyaldom, as 1 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 81 

came into the township after the civil < flict was over. Though we have 

men of intelligence here, 1 was not attracted by the intelligence of the men, 
nor was 1 attracted by the fragrance of the pennyroyal odor; but by the 
Pennyroyal daughters. Hence I am only an adopted son. I was engaged 
in the civil conflict with friends Sarchet, McDowell, and others present 
tlii- day, and 1 was never railed upon to surrender until I met a Penny- 
royal girl, rf you don't want to be captured, don't court the Pennyroyal 
girls. 

But I was called to talk on the benefits of reunions. Alter J heard 
yesterday's speeches I thought the ground was pretty well occupied. Be- 
ginning with the welcome address, nearly every one talked on the benefits 
of reunions. When I look out over this audience of men and women of 
diversified business, it is a pertinent question, how can reunions !»■ bene- 
ficial? 1 see this audience is more largely composed of fanners than of 
any other class. These farmers have for some years been holding reunions, 
associations, etc., and have reduced it toascience, and to-day they are hold- 
ing a higher position than ever before. They have left their plows in the 
field, and are here shaking hands with their friends. Not one will go 
away not feeling glad that he was here. The mechanic is here. They 
have been holding meetings, forming unions and have brought themselves 
up higher in the scale of existence. Their demands are being heard even 
in the halls of Congress. I see lawyers here to-day who have left the court and 
study, to take the hand of their friends and join in this reunion. 1 see an- 
other class — the politicians. The very idea of their presence here is a sign 
ofbenefit to them. They tire benefited by mingling with the people, and 
we are also benefited. All have laid aside their political differences for a 
day and meet here on a common level; and, though the country is ringing 
with the words of political orators, not one word of politics will he heard 
from this stand. 

I see another class — the soldiers of the late war. We have the honor 
of inaugurating these reunions, and this Pennyroyal Reunion is copied af- 
ter them. 

i cannot express the thrill of joy that ran through my veins the first 
reunion which I attended of the old 15th Ohio. It was remarked yesterday 
that those who live here the year around cannot appreciate these occasions 
cannot appreciate the feeling of those who live at a distance. See him from 
a fir distant state; see the tint of youth again on his cheek ; see the happy 
smile and cheerful grip with which he greets his old time friends. Tell me 
that these reunions tire not beneficial? That same feeling I felt when I met 
those old soldier hoys in reunion. 

You who are assembled here to-day, will not all be here next year. 
Some who were accustomed to meet us here have crossed over on the other 
side and tire waiting for that grand reunion beyond the river. One word 
mon — be prepared for that reunion over there. Although the old Penny- 
royalists have passed over the river, although the soldier boys have passed 
over, let us prepare to meet them there. 

At the conclusion of Mr. Smith's address the Pennyroyal choir sang 
two hymns — the "Reapers" and "Blessed are they." Rev. C. Rightmyer 
was introduced by the President, and he made tin humorous address, in his 
inimitable manner, that was highly enjoyed by the people. He was fol- 
lowed by Rev. Edwards, of Washington, who spoke as follows: 



82 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALKOM. 

It is a pleasure to inert here and receive these kindly greetings. We 
are not properly a bod of Pennyroyal, but Mime years ago we were placed 
here, in the Providence of God, and it is a great pleasure to return after the 
lapse "t sixteen years. While time has marked many changes, we are hap- 
py to renew those old associations, and say "good morning" in the sense of 
that reunion of sou Is, which we enjoy so much. 

Our miml has been grandly disabused of impressions received twenty- 
five year- ago in regard to Pennyroyal. It was my lot to fall in with a 
Connecticut Yankee, and after talking some time about "keows," etc., he 
thought fit to give me some instructions, as I was ignorant of the ways of 
the world, being quite young. He told me that in al! my associations to be 
careful in regard to pennyroyal .stock. I am sure he had associated with 
that name something very poor and degraded. If he were here to-day, and 
had seen and heard what we have seen and heard, he would not have 
formed such an opinion. If this people he pennyroyal stock, certainly they 
have large and liberal hearts. They welcome all with open countenances 
and open arms. My mind has been wonderfully disabused. And when I 
look above and read that motto, and see the flag of our country floating 
above all, I must say, "these are a people of broad philanthropy and patri- 
otic heart-." Instead of being "beware" id' them, it is a good thing to re- 
ceive their affectionate greetings. As we listened to the speeches we were 
sure this ism it the class of people we were admonished to beware of, twenty-five 
years ago. The presence of this Holy Bible here, and the spirit of true re- 
ligion that pervaded all the speeches gave evidence that this i- not a hail or 
dangerous people. While we observed that this people devoted a large 
share to God, we said surely this people is a people of God. While we re- 
ceived this intelligence we came about to this conclusion, that it would he 
almost safe to vote for almost any ticket, so it had on it the names of men 
who came from Pennyroyaldom. They would go forthwith a purpose to do 
right, and dare to do right. 

Our impressions id' this reunion are of the happiest character. We lay 
aside our prejudices and say to you, here is our hand and our heart. May 
God's blessing rest upon this people and this soil, and may we all meet in 
reunion above. 

Rev. lh\ McFarland, of Cambridge, was then introduced. He spoke 
as follows: 

I understood President Borton to say that he would call on me if he 
couldn't do any better. He had better have done better. But this is 
only a penny royal affair anyhow. A penny is a good thing — plenty of 
them — and royal pennies are the best. I have three in my pocket — at 
home — and I had frequent occasion to use them a short time ago. "Penny. 
sir; penny, sir," is a frequent salutation in Ireland. You might think it 
strange anybody asking for a penny. Here we say "gimme a cent." Some 
of you came from Ireland. It is a good place to come from. No doubt it 
is a good place to live for some, and for some a good place to die. I think 
if I were there. I would like to prepare for death as soon as possible. Bel- 
fast is a grand town — they call it a town, although it has a population of 
200,000. It is the best town in Ireland considering its size and wealth. 
One feature I noticed in going into that town, which 1 couldn't forget and 
didn't want to forget. I wanted to mail a letter, was shown a lamp-post 
where the mail bos was, and on these lamp-posts were these words, not 



SOUYEMR OF PENNYR01 ALUOM 83 

written with pencil, nor quill — for they use quills then — oor steel pen, bu< 
written in irtta — "X" Collection of mails on Sabbath day." There isacity 
loyal to the great King! Now that i- one thing I would like to see in this 
land of tlic free anil the home of the brave. I would like to see from 
Maine to the Pacific, and from the lakes to the gulf, those words engraved 
on every lamp-post. Let America he loyal to her King and in one hun- 
dred year- no other nation on the globe can compare with her. 

Dr. McFarland continued at some length, describing what he had seen 
and heard in Ireland. When he had ended, Prof. Sarchet assisted by the 
choir, sang the Pennyroyal song. 

Rev. Dr. S. H. Wallace, of Barnesville, was the next speaker. He 
said: 

I have to represent to-day the man of the same name. Dr. Wallace, of 
Wooster, whose death we all mourn. When I refer to Dr. Wallace and 
remember that he was raised in this community, I detract from the honors 
of no son of Pennyroyal when I declare that he was the equal if not the 
superior of any. Turning from that, try to define the word pennyroyal. 
Penny is probably from the word penury — want, and royal make- royal 
poverty — honorable poverty. It is no disgrace to he reared in such a com- 
munity. Pennyroyal has medicinal qualities — it is odoriferous, warming, 
soothing, stimulating, removing pain. A pennyroyal community, then, 
should develope a noted class of citizens. I think the history of this com- 
munity will hear out that idea. Dr. Wallace then at some length discussed 
tlie beneficial effects of the plant as applied to the various professions and 
callings. All classes that have been reared here have done honor to their 
community, probably owing to the power of this plant. I venture to say 
that even a speculator, a wool buyer, going out from this community would 
hesitate to tell an untruth. 

Passing through this community, and seeing your homes aud looking 
into these faces here, I can say truly you have raised a class of men worthy 
of any community. You have sent into the world many noted individuals. 
A\ hat encouragement is it for you to continue to tolerate the same princi- 
ples of society, the same morality as did your fathers. There is no telling 
where the influence will end, and this community will go on developing 
from generation to generation until the future citizens ot Pennyroyal land 
will be far ahead of any who have yet lived. I anticipate that good results 
will go out from gatherings of this kind. As you mingle to-day with 
thousands from other places, there ought to be a healthful influence ex- 
erted. We are social creatures, God made us such, and this is an occasion 
of social recreation, and it is well for us to mingle together, recognizing each 
other in our various callings, and exerting an influence that will do our- 
selves and others great good. 

"Sowing the Seed" was sung by the choir, after which D. D. Taylor 
introduced Miss Laura M. Hartley, who gave an impersonation of Ouora. 
This was a delightful treat. Miss Hartley is a good elocutionist, and her recita- 
tion was received with a burst of applause that must have been very grati- 
fying to the young lady. 

Col. T. H. Anderson was pressed into the service by President Borton, 



84 SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

and lit' made a very happy address, 

A recess was taken fco 1A o'clock p. m. 

There had never been so many people in Center grove as were there at 
this time. The dinner hour — the pleasent picnic hour— when you met with 
your friends under some wide spreading oak, opened the bursting baskets, 
and spread a dinner fit for the gods— this hour had almost passed when a 
dashing rain fell. It came down in torrents for about half an hour, ami 
although most of the crowd were able to reach shelter, some were wet 
through and through. 

THURSDAY AFTERNOON. 

Although the rain had seriously interfered with the programme, as 
soon as it had subsided the regular exercises were begun. Fierce as had 
been the shower and threatening as the clouds were at this time, the audi- 
ence that gathered in front of the stage was apparently as large as ever. 

Mary A. Kirkpatrick delivered an address, full of interesting reminis- 
cences of the early settlement of the township, and particularly concerning 
the old Fletcher meeting house. The jam on the stand and about the re- 
porter's table was so great that the reporter could not take notes of the 
address. 

The audience was now on the qui fire tor the young lady dressed in 
the costume of an Egyptian woman. The Morristown band played "Old 
Hundred," after which Miss Ida Vermillion came on the stage, dressed in 
the peculiar garb well known to every one by pictures of women of the Orient- 
The explanatory remarks by Mrs. Mary Turkic were quite interesting" 
She drew a moral from the strange and heathenish dress, and impressed 
upon her hearers the necessity of redoubled efforts in behalf of foreign mis- 
sions. The young lady dressed in the old garb was then placed on a chair, 
so the audience could see her wooden shoes, and D. D. Taylor came forward 
and made a speech explanatory of the costume. 

After more music J. A. Buchanan, Esq., of New Philadelphia, a son 
of Pennyroyal, was introduced, and made one of the best speeches of this 
day. He spoke as follow-. : 

It seems that the subject allotted to me is quashed by the condition of 
the weather. I know well you feel somewhat uneasy, and under the pres- 
ent situation it is difficult to listen to anybody. The committee of this 
organization has a peculiar way of pressing us into the service. The first 
intimation I had that anything was expected of me was upon my arrival 
here. I came not to talk but to hear and see my old friends. Standing 
here to-day and seeing this vast audience I would be false to the emotions 
of my heart, not to say I am glad to be here and take you one by one by 
the hand. The years which have sped far away since we were boys and 
girls together only serve to make us appreciate more dearly the friends and 
the pleasures of the past. How-far-so-ever we may have drifted away.; and 
whether we have received the smiles of prosperity, or eaten the bitter fruits 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 85 

of adversity, it only serves to draw us hack again to our old home. There 
is no place like home. There is no place like the spot of our birth, where 
we mingled in youthful sports and shed our infantile tears. There is a 
halo around the spot of one's birth thai all the sunshine and all the storm 
of life cannot efface. We are as a grand family bound together by a senti- 
ment ofa common nativity, a common ancestry, a common heroism and 
common sacrifice. We return as patriotic sons of Pennyroyaldom to renew 
our allegiance to a land that is becoming historic. The many who have 
been reared here and gone out into the world and become prominent, is a 
proper subject of congratulation. But have you ever reflected thai this 
success could not he achieved under any other form of government '.' 

This Republic illustrates constitutional freedom in a way that shows 
the power and grandeur of this people. We arc a free people, with the 
right to do as we please so thai we do not interfere with others. Under 
these influences and free institutions of the country, every man and every 
woman, no difference what station they may occupy, even the most humble, 
have a way open to success and the highest positions. 

So it is in this community; there has been a zeal and intellectual force 
to prod on the energies of those who come after, until you represent, in all 
professions and occupations, positions of honor and trust in nearly every 
state in the union. 

Political honor is not the only great end of lite. A man may occupy 
great position, and yet be a man of small intellect. A man may never be 
raised by the votes of his fellow citizens to high position, and vet he a man 
of great force and intelligence. So we have among us men who never held 
office, who frame and influence sentiment. Sonic of the most illustrious 
men never occupied public position. Clay and Webster are no less revered 
because they did not attain their highest ambition. Another thought — Ac- 
cording to our American system of perpetuating our institutions we have 
political organizations. 1 have not a word to say against any political or- 
ganization. They are safeguards of the Republic. But I want to say to 
you, do not belong to any political organization. The political organization 
belongs to you. You are not a follower, but the party is an agent for you 
to make known youi desirres. You are not to follow the dictation of any 
organization; the purpose of these organizations is to furnish an agency for 
citizens to express their views. So long as we permit ourselves to be led 
ami owned by party, so long are we political slaves. 

Mr. Buchanan went on to explain the causes of the rapid development 
of this Republic during the past fifty years, and was applauded at the close 
of his speech. 

The committee appointed the previous day to report officers for the en- 
suing year, made the following rcprot : 

President, Hon. Wm. Borton; vice-President, W. S. Heade; Secreta- 
ry, D. D. Taylor; Corresponding Secretary, Thomas Smith; Treasurer, 
J. B. Turkle; Executive Committee, .las. McClenahan, A. B. Marquis, 
John Wherry, Dr. Holtz, D. C. Kennon. 

The report was adopted unanimously. 

President Borton then dismissed the crowd with a few appropriate 
remarks. 



8(i 



SOUVENIR OF PENNYROYALDOM. 

MEMORIES OF PENNYROYALDOM. 



Miss Ella Grimes, who lived m Missouri, sent the Jeffersonian the 
following "Memories of Pennvroyaldom. She was unable to attend the 
Reunion of 1882: 



White road, glist'ning in the sunshine 

of the June day, stretching bright 
Through the valley, 'round a stone bridge, 

Over blue hills, out of sight. 
Garden gay with hardy Bowers, 
Fringing paths half-grown with grass; 

Brown wren, singing lung and blithely, 
Brown bees, humming as they pass. 

( hray old farm house, to my child eyes 

Seeming wond'rous grand and high, 
Beautiful its homely features 

In the dreamy summer sky ; 
Resonant with dearest voices 

Are its walls. Trembling and low, 
Grandmother, with half-sad cadence, 

Sings old hymns, learned long ago. 

Straggling corn -field, on the hillside, 

Just beyond the meadow lies ; 
Still beyond, the forest foliage 

Darkly touches sun-bright skies. 
In the solemn woods the moss grows, 

Thick, bronze-tinted Here, in May, 
Violets, anemones and 

Daisies sweet, dream life away. 



Kerns, reeds, ivies, willow branches 
Trailing, throw a- trembling shade 

Over dimpling brown brook, rushing 
Through the wood and warm lields 

made 

White with clover blossoms. Yellow 
Wheat, its shining spears, sharp, tall. 

Wave above my brier-torn bonnet. 
Harshly crows and blue jays call. 



Rabbits leap across my path, and 
Squirrels, nimble-footed, pass 

Seeking shelter ; startled quails rl.V 
Upward from deep meadow grass. 

Red cows doze in shady places; 
Robins chirp among the dense 

Vines thai cling to lichen-covered 

Kails of old Virginia fence. 

Softly, softly, south winds whisper 

To the walnut trees, I know . 
Stories of the far off land where 

All the year the llowers grow. 
Tinkling bell of bleating flocks, the 

Song of ploughman o'er the way, 
Mingle with the joyous music — 

Sorrow comes not all the day. 



Happy mem'ries — like the mem'ries 

Of some old songs— ling'ring vet, 
And of stories heard in childhood, 

That we never can forget ; 
Sweet as fragrance of the roses 

Fresh, dew-wet, from raie old vine; 
Real as love that shines from wide eyes 

Of the children into mine. 

Coming, when the morning air conies 

Sun-lit, trembling all with sound. 
Songs of oriole and brown thrush; 

Coming when the day is crowned 
Rich with summer noon in harvest ; 

Coining, when the stars shine. Bright 
Sun and song of day forgot in 

Waking dreams of moonlit night. 

August li', L882. 



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